April 2, 2008.

When it comes to the Stanley Cup there are a lot of players with something to prove. There are young stars and veterans alike, out to win it for the first time. A strong playoff or better yet- a Stanley Cup win- would mean "redemption' for a handful of veterans. It would mark a fine career start for many of the young stars. Here's a look at some of the players with something to prove in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs:

DANIEL ALFREDSSON-RW-OTTAWA
Led all playoff scorers in goals (14) and points (22) last season. Has seven straight 70-plus points seasons. Made unfilfilled promises of a Senators' Stanley Cup in the past. Could this be the year?

MARTIN GERBER-G-OTTAWA
Ray Emery was solid for the Sens in last year's playoffs. This year it looks like it's Gerber's turn. He won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2004 but did not see any playoff action that year.

WADE REDDEN-D-OTTAWA
Had a subpar regular season but could get back into the fan's "good books" with a strong playoff effort. Might have been dealt from Ottawa at the trade deadline had he been willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. Redden scored 10 points in 9 playoff games in 2005-06 and 10 points in 20 games in last year's postseason. Redden becomes an unrestricted free agent in the off-season. A strong playoff would enhance his value.

JOE THORNTON-C-SAN JOSE
Scored 11 points in 11 playoff games last year. A premiere player looking to win hockey's premiere prize.

PATRICK MARLEAU-C-SAN JOSE
Marleau has been a good playoff performer over the years for the Sharks. Look for the veteran to pick up his game in the playoffs and redeem himself for a less than stellar regular season. Looking for his first Stanley Cup.

SAKU KOIVU-C-MONTREAL
Koivu is out with a foot injury as I write this but is expected back for the playoffs. He has 36 points in 43 playoff games but is still Montreal's favourite "whipping boy". Bringing home The Cup might change that.

SIDNEY CROSBY-C-PITTSBURGH and EVGENI MALKIN-C-PITTSBURGH
These two young guns are the key to a bright future for the Penguins. Crosby scored 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 playoff games last season. A Stanley Cup would be the ultimate addition to Crosby's trophy wins. He has already won the Art Ross Trophy, the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy.
Malkin had four assists in five playoff games last year. Malkin has had had two great seasons to start his career and went on a tear when Crosby was injured this season. Malkin and Crosby should lead the talented Penguins deeper into the playoffs this season.

CAREY PRICE-G-MONTREAL and JAROSLAV HALAK-G-MONTREAL
A young Patrick Roy supplied the Habs with playoff magic and led them to the Stanley Cup in 1986. Montreal pinned their playoff hopes on the young netminding duo of Price and Halak when they traded away veteran Cristobel Huet.

RYAN SMYTH-LW-COLORADO
Smyth, a longtime Edmonton Oiler, was hobbled by injuries this season. He's a consummate competitor looking for his first Stanley Cup.

KRISTIAN HUSELIUS-LW-CALGARY
Huselius had another productive regular season with Calgary but "soft" play made him an occasional healthy scratch by coach Mike Keenan. Huselius had just two assists in 6 playoff games last year. If he's able to "toughen-up" for the playoffs, a spot on the Flames' top line could mean playoff productivity.

DANIEL BRIERE-C-PHILADELPHIA
Briere scored 15 points in 16 playoff games with Buffalo in 2006-07 and 19 points in 18 playoff games the year before. A proven playoff performer for the Sabres looking to produce for the Flyers.

ALEX OVECHKIN-LW-WASHINGTON
First NHL player in over a decade to score more than 60 goals. The young superstar could be appearing in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time- if his Caps squeeze in.