The following three players were all considered "good" before the playoffs began, but none of them were considered to be stars. All three have utilized the Stanley Cup Playoffs as their red carpet to stardom.

Ryan Ellis, Predators

Ellis enjoyed a breakout year during the regular season, but it largely went unnoticed because, well, he plays in Nashville. Now, on the national stage, his spectacular play isn't getting missed by anyone.

Ellis sits third on the team with 11 points in the postseason. He has averaged exactly 24 minutes and and 2.7 shots per game. At 26, the former 11th overall pick has taken some time to develop, but he has finally come into his own - and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Fellow defensemen Roman Josi and P.K. Subban were already stars before the playoffs began, but now Ellis has given them three on the blue line. Even Mattias Ekholm, who rounds out the Pradtors' top-four defenders, is on the doorstep of stardom, albeit in a less flashy manner.

Pekka Rinne, Predators

Rinne has had a great career. He has started nearly 500 regular-season games for the Predators, owns a career .917 save percentage, and finished in the top three in Vezina Trophy voting three times.

However, he's also never won a Vezina, posted a .910 save percentage or worse in three of his past five seasons, and has never played in a large market. So, frankly, he probably wasn't considered a "star" by most hockey fans.

Until now, that is.

Rinne's play during the postseason has been downright absurd. He's posted a ridiculous .941 save percentage and minuscule 1.70 goals-against average.

He is a lock to take home the Conn Smythe if the Preds end up winning the Stanley Cup. Even if they lose, he could very well get the J.S. Giguere treatment and win playoff MVP anyway. Regardless, he has cemented himself as a star these playoffs.

Jake Guentzel, Penguins

Guentzel enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, scoring 16 goals and registering 33 points in just 40 games. He was scoring at a 30-goal pace. This has now been proven to be no fluke, as he has carried this scoring touch into the playoffs, notching nine goals - including three game-winners - in 17 games thus far.

Guentzel's shooting percentage in both the regular season and the playoffs is abnormally high, but that's partially a byproduct of playing on Sidney Crosby's line.

What Guentzel lacks in size he makes up for with quickness, instincts, and a high compete level. These playoffs have been a coming-out party for the youngster.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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