The following four players don't get nearly enough credit. Big-name stars will make most of the headlines, but these unheralded skaters still have the ability to change the complexion of an entire series. Look for them to be difference-makers in the conference finals.

Mark Stone, RW, Senators

Stone is certainly not the quickest nor the flashiest player in the league, but he does so many things that don't show up in your standard box score.

He's played three full seasons in the NHL, and has led the league in takeaways for all three. He hasn't lit up the scoresheet so far in the postseason, but true to form he leads all skaters with 15 takeaways.

Pittsburgh has been very responsible with the puck so far in the playoffs, so Stone is going to have to continue to generate turnovers for Ottawa to stand a chance in this series.

Brandon Montour, D, Ducks

When talking about how young and mobile Anaheim's defense is, you often hear the names Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, and Hampus Lindholm - and deservedly so. However, the player you rarely hear about is Brandon Montour.

The rookie defenseman has earned the trust of bench boss Randy Carlyle, playing over 20 minutes a night. He hasn't let his coach down, either, as he's sporting a plus-9 rating.

Perhaps what's most impressive, though, is that Montour has been on the ice for more scoring chances for per 60 minutes at five-on-five than any defenseman still in the playoffs. Yup, more than Erik Karlsson, Justin Schultz, Roman Josi, P.K. Subban, or any of his own teammates.

Don't be discouraged by Montour's modest point total. He had just six in 27 games during the regular season, and now five in 11 contests during the playoffs, but had an impressive 99 points in 118 games during his AHL career.

The more games he plays in the NHL, the more comfortable he will get. This will lead to more goals and assists, and it could happen as soon as this upcoming series with the Nashville Predators.

Mattias Ekholm, D, Predators

Nashville's defense has done an outstanding job generating offense so far in the playoffs. Josi and Ryan Ellis are tied for the team lead in goals with four, while Subban is second on the team with six assists. Their production has been well documented, but the play of Mattias Ekholm has not.

Unlike the previous three names mentioned, Ekholm isn't an offensive defenseman. He has three points in the playoffs, and only had 23 during the regular season. He isn't overly physical, either, which is probably why he doesn't make many highlight reels.

However, Ekholm's size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and skating ability will be crucial when matching up against Anaheim's hulking forwards, such as Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. He is perhaps the most unheralded X-factor of this entire series.

RW Bryan Rust, Penguins

Bryan Rust has scored some big goals so far in the postseason. He has five in total, including two game-winners. Plus, all signs indicate he can keep up this pace.

First off, he's skating on the team's top line alongside Sidney Crosby. Second, he's received 14 individual scoring chances at five-on-five in the postseason - the second-most of any remaining player.

While Ottawa's focus will be on shutting down Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel, Rust will fly under the radar - as always.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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