Kariya's cash doesn't register.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: Bob Foltman

ANAHEIM, Calif. _ The saying "Your best players have to be your best players" is repeated ad nauseam in the NHL playoffs, mainly because it's true. If the Anaheim Mighty Ducks are going to win the Stanley Cup, their superstars have to play like superstars.

There is no bigger superstar in Anaheim than Paul Kariya. But through the first three games of this series, which New Jersey leads 2-1 with Game 4 here Monday night, Kariya has been, at best, average.

Only three players in the NHL make more than the $10 million Kariya made this season. Reputations are burnished in the postseason, and right now Kariya has some work to do if he is going to join the upper echelon of playoff performers in NHL history.

Kariya had his best scoring chance of the series late in the first period of Anaheim's 3-2 overtime victory Saturday. A rebound from a Sandis Ozolinsh shot landed on his blade with an open net in front of him. Martin Brodeur made an incredible recovery to get his left pad out and turn aside Kariya's shot. For the rest of the game, Kariya was barely noticeable.

Through three games, Kariya has no points and four shots on goal, three of which came Saturday.

Certainly the Devils should take some credit for making Kariya vanish. New Jersey knows Kariya is the most dangerous offensive talent on either team, so he has been a magnet for Devils defenders every time he hits the ice.