Most Valuable NHL Role Players

Though he's out until midseason after surgery on his left shoulder, Talbot's postseason heroics (both goals for Pittsburgh in their decisive Game 7 win over Detroit) cemented his reputation as a clutch ''glue guy'' -- not a star, but a role player taking a star turn. The 2002 eighth-round pick also scored the game-winner in the 2008 Eastern Conference Final and the last-minute tying goal against Detroit in Game 5 of the 2008 Cup final.
-- Darren Eliot