Some are good, some are bad. Some come out of nowhere, some disappear when the chips are down. Playoffs are a time where unsung players can step into prime roles that nobody knew they were capable of, while others shrink from the spotlight when the lights are brightest.
May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) blows a bubble while on the bench against the New York Islanders in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Here are 8 players (1 from each playoff team) in the Eastern Conference who either rose to the occasion or wilted when their teams needed them most.