Unsung heroes make marks
MacArthur, others add boost while staying off radar
It’s easy to point to star players on each NHL playoff team and say that if they produce, their teams have a great chance of winning their series. But teams dress 18 skaters, so they need contributions from throughout the roster.
Some players flying under the radar who could make a difference in the second round: Clarke MacArthur, Ottawa
Senators winger: Before concussions limited him to eight regular-season games over the past two seasons, MacArthur was a solid source of secondary scoring. His worth has been evident in the playoffs, as he has netted two goals, including the overtime game-winner to send the Senators to the second round. In a bottomsix role, his performance is crucial against a New York Rangers team whose great forward depth enables it to roll four lines and take
advantage of matchups.
Oscar Lindberg, Rangers center: Lindberg is the engine that makes the fourth line run. Even though he has only an assist and eight shots in six games, he has been a possession beast — the Rangers control 67% of the shot share when he is on the ice. The Senators’ center depth is underrated, but Lindberg won’t be overwhelmed against stiffer competition. Nate Schmidt, Washington
Capitals defenseman: Karl Alzner’s injury has thrust Schmidt into the playoff lineup, and he has run with the opportunity, posting a Corsi over 60% and two assists in four games. Coach Barry Trotz should keep him in the lineup even when Alzner is healthy. Schmidt can jump-start the offense with his speed and passing, an important component to combating a Pittsburgh Penguins group that will be relentless on the forecheck. Jake Guentzel, Penguins winger: Maybe it’s unfair to include a winger on Sidney Crosby’s line, but Guentzel is a rookie with 45 games of NHL experience. Not only did he score 16 goals in the regular season, he has five more (on 16 shots) in five playoff games. His pace and scor-