Statistics: 44 GP, 30-31—61

His recovery from near-drowning last summer is a great story. His team's resurgence is a great story. But watch his skills on the ice, and it's clear that Lessard is much more than a feel-good story.

Statistics: 37 GP, 23-32—55

There's no question that he's a talented player – defending Stanley Cup champions don't just sign anyone to a deal a week before the playoffs. Maybe they knew that Parise scored 39 of his 55 points after returning from the World Junior Championship, or that he amassed 14 points in six playoff games with the Fighting Sioux.

Statistics: 41 GP, 27-22—49

The Wildcats' heart and soul, he remade his game as a scorer this year instead of a set-up man. The college game takes pride in developing players like Saviano; he'll be missed, and not just in Durham, next year.

Statistics: 37 GP, 11-25—36

Here's all you need to know about Ballard – with him in the lineup, Minnesota was 26-9-2. Without him, the Gophers were 1-5-1. 'Nuff said.

Statistics: 37 GP, 16-25—41

If you think the best defensemen shouldn't be noticed, you haven't seen Pöck play. Now a New York Ranger, his impact on the game is undeniable.

Statistics: 15-11-4, 1.81, .942

Boston College struggled down the stretch and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAAs. We'll apply the same criteria in evaluating Danis, who was stellar all season long. Give him credit for coming back to school, when he could have left, and taking his game to another level.