Sunday, April 24, 2011

Thursday’s Three Stars: Ryder knots Habs; Blackhawks blowout

No. 1 Star: Michael Ryder, Boston Bruins

His first goal in Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens was critical: Matching the first goal of the game by Brent Sopel, just over 2 minutes into the second period. His second goal was the most important of the game and the series for Boston: Converting a Chris Kelly pass into the game-winning goal 1:59 into overtime, as the former Canadien gave the Bruins a 5-4 win over the Habs.

No. 2 Star: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks defenseman had a 4-point night, helping the Stanley Cup champs to a 5-0 embarrassment of the Vancouver Canucks in Game 5 to cut their deficit to 3-2. He assisted on Marian Hossa's goal at 6:18 of the first, scored one of his own 24 seconds later and assisted on Patrick Kane's first of the playoffs on the power play 5:59 after that. He scored his fourth of the playoffs to cap the scoring in the second period.

No. 3 Star: Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks

Clowe had some help in his impressive 2-goal night for the Sharks, who defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 6-3, in Game 4 of their series for a 3-1 lead. His goal 3:58 into the second period bounced off two Kings defensemen and into the net. His second goal was the product of hard work in front of Jonathan Quick (21 saves) on the power play, giving the Sharks a 3-0 lead just 5 minutes and 30 seconds into the game. He now has four goals on the postseason.

Honorable mention: Michael Cammalleri had a goal and two assists for Montreal, while P.K. Subban scored his first of the playoffs. … Chris Kelly had a goal and two assists. … Marian Hossa had two goals. … Cory Crawford had 36 saves for his first playoff shutout for Chicago. He also picked up his second assist of the postseason. … Joe Pavelski put the game away with the Sharks' fifth goal, scored just 54 seconds after Joe Thornton's first of the playoffs. … Antti Niemi made 35 saves.

Did you know? Henri Richard brought out the Canadiens' torch to begin the pregame presentation.

Dishonorable mention: Roberto Luongo was pulled after 21:15, having given up four goals on 12 shots. … The Canucks were 0-for-4 on the power play. … Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez were both minus-3. … Keith Ballard was a scratch for Vancouver. … Andrew Ference denies he gave an obscene gesture to the fans in Montreal.

Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks; 2. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; 3. Michal Neuvirth, Washington Capitals; 4. Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; 5. Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks; 6. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins; 7. Mike Fisher, Nashville Predators; 8. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres; 9. Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks; 10. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks.

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