[jimotis4heisman]

R.J. Umberger -- Philadelphia
Think Flyers and you think Derian Hatcher, Peter Forsberg, Mike Knuble, Simon Gagne, Eric Desjardins. The big guns. But if the Flyers are to make good on preseason predictions that they are a Stanley Cup threat, they need someone to step out of the shadows, especially if Forsberg continues his pattern of intermittent play. Well, how about Umberger? A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., who spent three years at Ohio State University, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound center fits the Flyer mold of being larger than life and tougher than nails, but he has also surprised with his offensive contributions. The 23-year-old, taken with the 16th pick in the 2001 draft, has 10 goals and seven assists over his last 21 games. The rookie finished the campaign with 20 goals and a plus-9 rating, centering a youthful but skilled line that includes Jeff Carter and Niko Dimitrakos. Umberger could figure prominently, if surprisingly, into any success the Flyers have against Buffalo and beyond.

though hes nto expected to play in game 2 after being knocked unconscious in game 1. should be back for game 3.