1. Dan Ellis, Predators
Given a two-goal lead early in the first period made the job easier, but Ellis still came up huge, stopping 39 shots to help the Preds pull even at 2-2 with the favoured Red Wings. The second-year NHL pro, in his first postseason, is performing like a cool veteran.
2. Marc Staal, Rangers
Talk about redemption. Just three days after a puck clipped his skate and went in for the Devils' winning goal in Game 3, the rookie blueliner scored his first official NHL playoff goal in the Rangers' 5-3 win. With each game he is looking more and more as a future star. As far as I'm concerned he already is the Rangers best defenseman.
3. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins
The 21-year-old notched a power-play goal and six shots on goal to help the Pens complete a four-game sweep of the Senators. Malkin, who now has two goals in the playoffs, was all over the ice and aggressive in the corners.
