Nick Bonino, Forward, Pittsburgh Penguins
Not a whole lot was made of the Penguins acquiring the up and coming forward when they made a move for him at the deadline. Certainly no one expected the move to have the biggest ramifications in this years post season. Yet that is exactly what has happened, as Bonino has nine points so far this post season, which puts him in a tie for seventh in the NHL. His amazing play actually has him ahead of Crosby on the point list.
Matt Murray, Goalie, Pittsburgh Penguins
The largely unknown 21 year old goaltender has been sensational for the Penguins. He has won five out of the six playoff games he has played in, only giving up 11 goals. His monstrous 94.4 SV% is fifth in the playoffs, and second among goalies still in the playoffs. In his last two games, he has only let in two goals. Where did this guy come from?
Matt Niskanen, Defenseman, Washington Capitals
The veteran defender isn’t a household name, but he has been one of the better performers in this years post season. He is 14th in terms of MPG, and leads all Capitals in that department. His 5 +/- is among the best for defensemen. He played a crucial 32:11 minutes in the overtime victory against the Penguins. If the Capitals are to survive their match up with the Penguins, they are going to need him to continue to play like a top line defender.
Nick Leddy, Defenseman, New York Islanders
Leddy has been simply one of the best defenders this post season. His 28:31 MPG is seventh in the post season. His 2 +/- shows that he is making the most of his time out there. He picked up a crucial assist in game seven against the Panthers. He also picked up a 2 +/- in an important game one victory over the Lightning. He has proven himself to be a legitimate top line defender on a team that desperately needed one.
Thomas Greiss, Goalie, New York Islanders
The Islanders were left for dead when it was announced that Jaroslav Halak was not going to be available for the playoffs. People did not foresee the type of post season that Greiss would have. He made a spectacular 41 saves to close out the Florida Panthers series. In the post season overall, he has a 93.7 SV%. Against the Panthers, Greiss stats also improved as the series progressed. The Lightning must be hoping that the same does not happen in the second round.