Ryan McDonagh

Ryan McDonagh turns a puck bounce into gold, tucking it home with veteran savvy that defines his career. Bounces win games, but McDonagh's positioning makes them look routine after 1,000-plus NHL nights. In tight standings races, these gifts separate contenders from pretenders.

The New York Rangers boast a storied history of American talent that powered their deepest playoff runs and that elusive 1994 Cup. From Brian Leetch's Conn Smythe heroics to Ryan McDonagh's captaincy steals and Ryan Callahan's gritty leadership, these U.S.-born Blueshirts delivered in ways casual fans overlook. Nick Fotiu crushed opponents and won blue-seat hearts with his New York toughness, while Mike Richter stood tall in net.

Ryan McDonagh turns defender into an art form with blocks that punish shooters and swing momentum. His positioning and sacrifice rack up the stops opponents dread most. In a league of snipers, McDonagh's wall stands tall for his squad's deep run.

The Tampa Bay Lightning recall veteran defenseman Steven Santini from Syracuse for the third time this season, as their blue line continues to battle a rash of injuries to Erik Černák, Ryan McDonagh and captain Victor Hedman. Santini, the 6-foot-3 former second-round pick who's captained the Crunch, steps in after logging solid minutes in prior stints with Tampa Bay.