Evgeni Malkin, Penguins:
Hard to say who is the top Penguin is Sid or Evgeni? Every team should have this problem. Not a bad day for the 21-year-old Russian, whose day started with news that he was a finalist for the Hart Trophy, and ended with a three-point night and a 3-0 series lead for this Pittsburgh Penguins. Malkin took over sole possession of first place in the postseason scoring race with a pair of power play goals, including the game winner, and an assist in Pittsburgh's 5-3 win over the Rangers.
Brenden Morrow, Stars:
The captain's name won't be found on the scoresheet, but he played with a purpose in Dallas's 2-1 OT win over the Sharks. When Morrow wasn't plastering a Shark into the boards (or each other) with one of his 11 hits, he was planted in Evgeni Nabokov's grill, making life miserable for the San Jose netminder. Both of the Stars goals can be at least partially attributed to the effectiveness of a Morrow screen.
Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings:Detroit's most dynamic forward was at his crafty best tonight, tearing holes through the Avalanche defense with his speed. He scored twice, and chipped in an assist as the Red Wings won 4-3 and took a commanding 3-0 series lead.
