Absolutely no one will be surprised if one of the usual suspects emerges from Sunday's All-Star Game in Los Angeles as the Most Valuable Player.
While there's no John Scott to jump from way off the radar to steal the honor from Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, or Alex Ovechkin (to name a few), there are some underdogs capable of shining brightest among some of the very best in the game.
Here are three in particular to watch out for.
Cam Atkinson
Tied for second in goals heading into the break, Cam Atkinson may have something to prove.
Cam Atkinson was a bit disappointed he wasn't on the original #NHLAllStar roster: "I felt I played well enough to get the nod."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) January 28, 2017
Named to the Metropolitan Division roster as an injury replacement for Evgeni Malkin, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward has recorded 24 goals this season, tied with Jeff Carter and behind only Sidney Crosby (28).
Atkinson played well enough to merit an original nod, and will look to rise above his peers by putting his speed and goal-scoring skill on display in the three-on-three tournament.
Nathan MacKinnon
What kind of season has it been for the Colorado Avalanche?
Nathan MacKinnon opens his press availability at the all-star game: "I bet you guys didn't expect to see an Avalanche here."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 28, 2017
Yeah, it's been that bad, and Nathan MacKinnon may not be in attendance were it not for the fact each team has to be represented.
Having said that, the 2013 first overall pick and 2014 Calder Trophy winner is certainly not devoid of game-breaking talent, and a strong showing would go a long way not only towards proving he's the star player to build around in Colorado, but also in making a name for himself among the game's wealth of young talent.
Nikita Kucherov
Among players with at least 40 games played this season, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov ranks fourth in points per game (1.02), behind Crosby, McDavid, and Malkin.
In the mind of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Luca Sbisa, Kucherov - a first-time All Star - is the Lightning's best player.
"All you hear about is 'Stamkos, Stamkos,' but (Kucherov) is probably their best player," Sbisa told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "He's so smooth, effortless. He's not flashy. He doesn't go 100 miles per hour, doesn't make all the highlight reel kind of plays. But he does all the little things of the game so well. Now he's finally getting the recognition."
Kucherov, who's recorded 19 goals and 25 assists in 43 games, may very well be in line for some MVP recognition at Staples Center on Sunday.
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