USA TODAY International Edition
Unsung players can shift series
It’s easy to point to stars and say if they produce, their teams have a great chance of winning their playoff series. But teams dress 18 skaters and need contributions throughout the roster.
Here are some players flying under the radar who could make a difference in the second round. Ryan Ellis, Nashville Pred
ators, defenseman. Shea Weber’s departure allowed Ellis to shine, albeit in a different ( less physical) way. Ellis has a goal and four points while averaging 25 minutes, 49 seconds in the playoffs. He’ll be out against Vladimir Tarasenko often. Vladimir Sobotka, St. Lou
is Blues, winger. Sobotka’s return from the Kontinental Hockey League has made the Blues lineup deeper, important against a Predators team that rolls four lines. His offensive ability helps a lineup that had only two players with more than 20 goals. Sobotka has a goal and three points in the playoffs, and his 18: 30 average ice time shows coach Mike Yeo views him as reliable. Clarke MacArthur, Ottawa
Senators, winger. Before concussions limited him to eight regular- season games over the last two seasons, MacArthur was a solid source of secondary scoring. He has two playoffs goals, including the overtime seriesclincher. The bottom- six forward is crucial against a New York Rangers team whose forward depth enables it to roll four lines and take advantage of matchups. Oscar Lindberg, Rangers, center. Lindberg makes the
fourthhas only line an run. assist Evenand eight though shotshe in sessionsix games,beast — he the has Rangersbeen a con- postrolhe is 67%on the of ice. the shot share when Nate Schmidt, Washington Capitals, defenseman. Karl Alzner’s injury has thrust Schmidt into the playoff lineup, and he has posted a Corsi over 60% and two assists in four games. Coach Barry Trotz should keep him in the lineup when Alzner is healthy. Schmidt can jump- start the offense with his speed and passing, a key to combating the Pittsburgh Penguins’ relentless forecheck. Jake Guentzel, Penguins, winger. Maybe it’s unfair to include a winger on Sidney Crosby’s line, but Guentzel, a rookie, had 16 goals in the regular season and has five ( on 16 shots) in five postseason games. His pace and scoring ability should give Crosby more space to work his magic. Zack Kassian, Edmonton Oilers, winger. Kassian made his presence felt — two goals, 16 hits — in the first round. More than a tough guy, he can skate and create some offense. Against the rugged Anaheim Ducks, Kassian’s physical presence will be valuable, if he doesn’t let his emotions take over. Shea Theodore, Ducks, de
fenseman. Because of injuries, Theodore has carved out a role on the blue line. He has two goals and five points in the playoffs and averages 20: 09 a game. The Ducks have a deep defensive core, especially when ( or if ) Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler return. It’s a matter of time before Theodore, 21, becomes a star.