Caputo: Three Best Stanley Cup Playoffs Performers So Far This Year

By: Pat Caputo

1. Jonathan Quick, goalie, Los Angeles Kings - Quick has picked up where he left off last spring when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He is a brilliant netminder, the best in the world, and is proving it, again, this postseason.

2. Zdeno Chara, defense, Boston - Chara is having a brilliant playoff. Not only is he leading all defensemen in playoff scoring and keying the Bruins' power play, but he has been playing exceptionally well in his own end. Still a truly great player.

3. Evgeni Malkin, center, Pittsburgh - Sidney Crosby isn't the best player on the Penguins, Malkin is. He has been incredible for a team that seems destined to reach the Stanley Cup finals.