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Springtime surprises Unheralded players could shine brightly in playoffsPosted: Monday March 10, 2003 7:24 PM
Amid the trade-deadline buzz, there are other ways teams can improve their playoff stock. Sometimes a late-season call-up becomes an instant hero because of postseason exploits. Other times, a player cast as mostly a checker emerges as a prolific scorer come playoff time. Here are some possibilities of guys who may provide unexpected offensive pop.
Western ConferenceBoyd Devereaux: The Red Wings have the Grind Line of Kirk Maltby, Chris Draper and Darren McCarty. The trio is good during the regular season, but is famous for its playoff contributions over the years. Last season, Devereaux enjoyed success playing with Brett Hull and Pavel Datsyuk, but lost his spot on that line to rookie Henrik Zetterberg. As a result, Devereaux’s offensive numbers were off. Still, if he can get to the net in his limited minutes, some hard-fought goals will erase an otherwise pedestrian season. Niko Kapanen: While the Stars continue to load up for the playoffs with the addition of veteran Stu Barnes, the rookie Kapanen is one of those sleepers who often make his initial offensive mark in the postseason. He has proven his defensive acumen throughout the year, so coach Dave Tippett won’t hesitate in using him in certain postseason situations. A big goal isn’t out of the question, especially when fresh young legs are the deciding factor in a matchup against a fatigued opponent. Sami Pahlsson: The Mighty Ducks challenged Pahlsson with a stint in the AHL, demanding that he compete more consistently. Since his recall, Anaheim head coach Mike Babcock has seen Pahlsson do just that. The trade of Matt Cullen to the Panthers paved the path for Pahlsson. And Pahlsson is averaging a point every other game, which is modest but acceptable as the third-line pivot. That's vital if the Ducks are to advance. Wes Walz: The Wild pose a threat to any team they face in the first round because of their interchangeable parts. Walz personifies the Wild -- hard to play against and seldom makes a wrong decision. He is a scrappy agitator capable of scoring, routinely matching up against the opposition’s top offensive players. He usually skates with the similarly underrated Antti Laaksonen, and in tandem they can hurt opponents where it matters most -- on the scoreboard.
Eastern ConferenceMichael Rupp: The Devils historically make their young players serve an AHL apprenticeship before getting an opportunity with the big club. Rupp is no different. He was selected ninth overall by the Islanders in 1998, but ended up with New Jersey when he re-entered the draft in 2000. He now is getting his shot after two-plus seasons in Albany. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Rupp fits the size profile for New Jersey’s fourth line. In his first audition, he is showing the ability to score a little bit as well, making him a prime candidate for surprise springtime glory. Peter Schaefer: After a contentious holdout with the Canucks, Schaefer landed in Ottawa. He supplies the Senators with dependable forechecking and quality third-line minutes on the defensive end of the ice. Still, he has not scored as he had hoped -- the perfect motivation for a capable player when the stakes are high. Jason Wiemer: Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette raves about Wiemer's contributions. After a brutally physical first-round loss last year to the Maple Leafs, the Isles acquired Wiemer with this year’s postseason in mind. He looks to be a 10-goal, 100 PIM-lock this season, but his penchant for battling in tight quarters means his best work may still lie ahead. Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. |
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