Throughout the playoffs, SportsLine.com takes a look at the top individual performances from each night's action. Here are the outstanding players from Thursday night's games.

Other April stars of the night

Jaromir Jagr, RW, Pittsburgh

Jaromir Jagr(Allsport)

Jaromir Jagr found a way to neutralize the shadowing efforts attempted by the favored Washington Capitals by setting up four goals for his Penguins teammates in the first 33 minutes of play. That performance led Pittsburgh to a stunning 7-0 victory on the road in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series. "We didn't play our best game tonight, but we took advantage of what they gave us," Jagr said. The victory could prove devastating to the Capitals, who must play the next two games of the series in Pittsburgh because of a scheduling conflict. Normally, higher-seeded teams get the first two games of a series at home.

Scott Stevens , D, New Jersey

Scott Stevens(Allsport)

The New Jersey Devils knew they would have to start fast against Florida and captain Scott Stevens wasted little time taking things into his own hands by scoring the first goal of the game on a blast from the blueline at 1:38 of the opening period. New Jersey hung on to win 4-3, but Stevens contributed far more than his goal by effectively neutralizing Florida's Pavel Bure, keeping him to one shot. "Scottie is going to play him hard," Devils goalie Martin Brodeur said. "As hard as he can within the rules."

Brian Boucher, G, Philadelphia Flyers

Brian Boucher(Allsport)

The Eric Lindros saga notwithstanding, the biggest concern for Flyers fans is how will their goaltending hold up in the playoffs. Rookie Brian Boucher, the fifth different netminder to open a post-season series for the team in the last five years, answered some of those questions at least temporarily. He had 18 saves, including several key stops in the third period, as Philadelphia edged the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in Game 1 of their series. "I know I'm a young guy, but I'm here and I'm going to make the most of it," Boucher said.

Chris Osgood, G, Detroit Red Wings

Chris Osgood(Allsport)

Even though Chris Osgood has won a Stanley Cup for the Detroit Red Wings, his detractors claim that he benefits from the team rather than the other way around. The Red Wings kept the Los Angeles Kings clear of him for most of the evening, but the netminder came up with the big saves when he had to, recording his seventh career playoff shutout as Detroit won 2-0. His biggest save came early in the third period when he robbed Kings sniper Luc Robitaille with the Kings trailing by only a goal. "We got a hot goalie tonight," Robitaille said.

Sandis Ozolinsh,D, Colorado Avalanche

Sandis Ozolinsh(Allsport)

Well before Ray Bourque arrived on the scene in Colorado, Sandis Ozolinsh had been in an offensive slump. Bourque has been rejuvenated with the Avs, spearheading their power play from the blueline and taking over the role that Ozolinsh used to play. But in the first game of the Western Conference quarterfinals against Phoenix, Ozolinsh came alive, scoring twice and adding an assist as Colorado jumped off to a big lead and held on to defeat the Coyotes 6-3.

Brett Hull , RW, Dallas Stars
Brett Hull(AP)	The Dallas Stars have developed a habit of beating the Edmonton Oilers during the playoffs, but usually only by a goal. Stars right wing Brett Hull decided to help his club ease the pressure a bit on Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinal series, setting up Kirk Muller's goal in the first period and then adding one of his own in the second as Dallas won 3-0.