UNSUNG BUT UNDENIABLE

These five players may never win a scoring title, but there's no doubt that they have what it takes to make a difference in the postseason

Andrew Shaw Blackhawks

A master of the greasy goal, he's one of the NHL's best in the slot. The pugnacious center also has a knack for timely scoring—his game-winner in the third OT of Game 1 of last year's Cup finals, for example.

Wayne Simmonds Flyers

The winger makes something happen on almost every shift, and he's edgy and excellent along the boards and in the slot. His hand-eye coordination is superb; watch how many pucks he knocks out of the air.

Carl Soderberg Bruins

The 28-year-old rookie centers the NHL's best third line, flanked by wingers Chris Kelly and Loui Eriksson. Soderberg is strong on the puck and has terrific presence on the power play.

Mats Zuccarello Rangers

With career highs in goals (19) and assists (40), the winger is one of New York's top playmakers. He's 5'7" and 179 pounds but goes to the net fearlessly. That alone makes him dangerous.

Danny DeKeyser Red Wings

Don't be surprised if the rookie blueliner averages more than 24 minutes a game. DeKeyser's puck-moving skills—he has 19 assists this season—make him a threat at even strength and on the power play.

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DAVID E. KLUTHO/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (SHAW)

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ELSA/GETTY IMAGES (SIMMONDS)

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ELSA/GETTY IMAGES (ZUCCARELLO)

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STEVE BABINEAU/NHLI/GETTY IMAGES (SODERBERG)

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DAVE REGINEK/NHLI/GETTY IMAGES (DEKEYSER)