Writers roundtable (cont.)

With 35 points in his first 22 games, Boston's David Krejci has been making an impact that will be felt even more down the stretch. Michael Martin/Getty Images

3. Who is an under-the-radar player that fans need to watch in the second half?

Michael Farber: David Krejci. Boston's second-line, point-per-game center makes his wingers better. Get Michael Ryder going? Play him with Krejci. Want more out of rookie Blake Wheeler? Krejci. He is nifty in tight areas, plays strong on the puck and has sublime hands. Lost in the success of the Bruins' top line, Krejci, whose development was hastened by Marc Savard's back injury at the end of 2007-08, is this season's breakout player.

Darren Eliot: David Booth of the Panthers is someone fans should take note of. The former MSU Spartan has a chance to score 30 goals and he plays the game with a gusto that is refreshing and entertaining. Plus, the Panthers should remain in the playoff hunt until the the bitter end under coach Pete DeBoer.

Allan Muir: Marc Savard and Phil Kessel hog the headlines, but the slow-it-down stylings of sophomore center Krejci are integral to the success of the league's best offense. Since breaking a five-game scoreless slump on Nov. 19, Krejci has 35 points in 22 games -- only Ovechkin has scored more over that period. Patrice Bergeron is sidelined indefinitely by another concussion, meaning more responsibility and opportunity for Krejci. Says here that he'll finish the season among the league's top 10 scorers.

Jim Kelley: Doug Weight of theIslanders. Written off after a brutal season last year and playing for a team that no one watches or seemingly even cares about, he has reconstructed his game and is likely to get picked up by a contender for the stretch drive. It's a nice comeback for an aging vet who many had completely written off. He's been slowed by a foot injury, but before that was tied for the team lead in points with 32. Not bad for a 38-year-old on what is arguably hockey's worst team.

4. We all named our Stanley Cup finalists back in September. Three months later, would you like a do-over?

Michael Farber: The Red Wings and Flyers. That was my story, and I'm sticking to it -- even Detroit with Ty Conklin in net and the venerable Chris Osgood in waiting. If it is Conklin, I just hope the NHL schedules a few of those final games outdoors.

Darren Eliot: I'll stay with my original thoughts: Canadiens and Stars

Allan Muir: Both teams I tabbed in preseason have experienced major drop-offs in key elements of their game: defense for the Red Wings and power play for the Canadiens. I think the Wings will work through their own-zone woes, but I'm not so sure about the Habs. They're still capable, but I wouldn't bet the mortgage on them. Having seen the Devils excel without Martin Brodeur, I think the team the East needs to fear is New Jersey. Gimme the Devils.

Jim Kelley: I picked the Flyers and Sharks and I'm sticking with both.