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Alexander the Great Take a look at Capitals star and two-time MVP Alexander Ovechkin more photos

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Jonathan Toews, F, Chicago Blackhawks
Toews hasn't played since Willie Mitchell leveled him with a hit on Oct. 21. Officially he's day-to-day with concussion-like symptoms -- but those days are starting to turn into weeks. Coach Joel Quenneville remains optimistic that it's a short-term injury.

It's an opportunity for: Patrick Kane. Sometimes your best players have to be even better in the absence of teammates. Kane played 23:47 in Chicago's Oct. 30 win over Montreal, his most ice-time all season.

Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver Canucks
Injuries have hit the Canucks harder than any team. Luongo should be close to returning from a rib injury, but the Canucks have also played without key contributors Michael Grabner (ankle), Ryan Johnson (concussion), Daniel Sedin (foot) and Pavol Demitra (shoulder).

It's an opportunity for: Andrew Raycroft. Some suspected the Canucks might use Luongo's injury to showcase Cory Schneider. Raycroft won't let them. He's 3-1 with a 1.52 goals-against average.

Marc Savard, F, Boston Bruins
Boston lost its playmaking center until late November (at the earliest) because of a foot injury. "Right now, the bottom part of our lineup is doing their job and creating their chances," coach Claude Julien said. "It's a matter of the top part of our lineup has to somehow find ways to score goals."

It's an opportunity for: Patrice Bergeron. While nobody has seized the opportunity to replace Savard, Bergeron (four goals, four assists) has been one of the few offensive bright spots for Boston.

Paul Martin, D, New Jersey Devils
The underappreciated Martin has a broken forearm and is expected to miss at least a month. Finding a replacement for a guy who does everything for the Devils won't be easy, but this franchise always seems to find a way.

It's an opportunity for: Mark Fraser. It's a group effort for the New Jersey blue line but 23-year-old rookie Fraser is back from a head injury. He would like to capitalize on potential playing time.

SportingNews.com Blackhawks re-sign defenseman Nick Boynton Leafs allow college prospect Sweatt to walk after dispute over contract Maple Leafs let Kaberle deadline pass; defenseman regains no-trade rights Canada beats United States to win third consecutive Ivan Hlinka tournament Patrick Kane brings Stanley Cup home to Buffalo

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Mark J. Terrill / AP

Wily Coyotes still alive

Shane Doan scored two goals, Mike Smith made 36 saves in his third playoff shutout, and the Phoenix Coyotes emphatically avoided playoff elimination with a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday.

NBC Sports

Highlights: Smith's shutout sparks Coyotes

  Shane Doan scored twice, and Mike Smith notched a shutout as the Phoenix Coyotes staved off elimination with a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

Headlines

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Kings will try to regain focus for Game 5

Doan keeps Coyotes' hopes alive

PHT: Doan doesn't let Coyotes get swept

Kings goalie knew it was 'my best game of the series'

PHT: Kings' power play comes up short

PHT: Russia beats Slovakia 6-2 for Worlds gold

PHT: Tortorella, DeBoer keep sniping

PHT: Devils' Parise explains why he snubbed media