Is it a lack of respect for Evgeni Malkin or an indication of Sidney Crosby's increased level of play but I thought the Penguins captain was the best player on the ice. Brave statement (the things I do for my employer) given Malkin doubled Crosby in points and assumed the playoff lead for point production.
If Cam Ward's strong play coupled with the meltdowns by Roberto Luongo and Martin Broduer allowed the Hurricanes netminder to gain instant consideration by many to be a strong candidate for Canada's starting job at the Vancouver Olympics. But shouldn't we now be talking about Marc-Andre Fleury and the post-season's best goalie in Chris Osgood.
Does coaching matter? Paul Maurice played his fourth line two shifts in two periods last night yet gave it a shot early in the third and Patrick Eaves scored. Good call or maybe play them more? Of course Ryan Bayda then picked up a match penalty later in the period. Eleven goals and the teams can't produce a power play goal? Courtesy of Doug Maclean, only two 'Cane forwards have a powerplay goal this playoff season. Can you name them? Answer after tonight's game.
Off topic from the NHL but I have never seen a coach accuse a goalie of an illegal stick before until last night's Mastercard Memorial Cup tie-breaker. Perhaps the reason is the gamble blew up on Rimouski.