While Stars’ captain Brenden Morrow made a name for himself long before this playoff run, he has turned up his game a few notches as the Stars make a spirited run for the Stanley Cup.(CP Images)
They've hit the half way pole in the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs and just four horses remain in the hunt as they head for home.
Some things just don't seem right here. Marty Turco is in Conn-Smythe form. Ditto Martin Biron. Marian Hossa is scoring. Johan Franzen has more points than Zetterberg and Datsyuk - and, no, that is not a typo.
What's next? Chris Simon wins the Lady Byng?
If you drafted one of those players in your playoff fantasy league, chances are you're in contention heading into the conference finals.
Here is a look at the Top 10 fantasy surprises from the 2008 playoffs:
10. BRENDEN MORROW, Dallas
Hardly a surprise he is playing well, but at times Morrow has been dominating. Anyone wondering how jacked up Morrow is this spring, just ask Milan Michalek.
9. JAROMIR JAGR, NY Rangers
Retirement? Heading overseas to play next year? Yeah right. The violins are playin', but don't shed any tears. Jagr will be back, especially after his playoff performance. Plus, the NHL pays better.
8. DANIEL BRIERE, Philadelphia
Someone has won over the hearts of the rough and tumble Flyers' faithful. Oh, and pissed off Canadiens' fans a little more. C'est la vie.
7. MIKE RIBEIRO, Dallas
In 24 career playoff games pre-2008, Ribeiro had amassed a whole eight points. This spring, he has 14 in 12 games. If you think of a reason he should be off this list, let us know. Just after you get a clue.
6. VACLAV PROSPAL, Philadelphia
OK, so it is Prospal's second go-round in Philly, but think he might be sending a thank you note to Jay Feaster sometime this spring? Traded from the league's worst team on deadline day? Rough life.
5. MARTIN BIRON, Philadelphia
Anytime you can post a .914 save percentage for a sixth-seeded team against a pair of high-powered attacks like Washington and Montreal, you're getting mentioned in the same sentence as "Conn" and "Smythe". If Biron can keep it up, another free-wheeling team may be washing their balls - for golf - come the middle of the month.
4. MARIAN HOSSA, Pittsburgh
Can't score the big one when it matters, huh? Hossa is doing the talking with his play right now. If only a hockey stick had a middle finger...
3. RJ UMBERGER, Philadelphia
R.J. Umberger, top ten in playoff scoring? Is there something wrong with this picture? Not if you are a Flyer fan. Just another example how the Philly roster can burn you from top to bottom, which might explain why they are where they are right now. Umberger. Someone tell me a budding entrepreneur has trademarked this name for a fast food joint...
2. MARTY TURCO, Dallas
Most playoff seasons, Turco plays as though he is worried about being late for his tee time. Not so fast this year. The Stars are into the final four - no, not FORE! - and Turco is in Conn-Smythe form. Golf can wait.
1. JOHAN FRANZEN, Detroit
Hey, 27 goals in the regular season and we should be surprised? You bet. Eleven goals and 14 points in ten playoff games have made believers out of us.