Who will step it up for the Boston Bruins in the 2012 NHL Playoffs? How about netminder Tim Thomas? In last season's Stanley Cup winning run, Thomas was 16-9 with a 1.98 GAA, .940 save percentage and four shutouts. Thomas' regular season numbers weren't as sparkling as last season but if he's 90% of what he was in last year's playoffs, the Bruins could make another run.

What about the fourth line guys? The grinders are important in wearing down the opposition over the course of a series but they also provided some scoring punch last year's playoffs.

How about Milan Lucic? Lucic was third on the team in scoring during the regular season with 26 goals. He's had five goals in each of the past two playoffs.

For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.