Sunday’s Three Stars: Canucks’ quick strikes earn 3-1 series lead

No. 1 Star: Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Sedin took over the scoring lead with a franchise-playoff record four-assist night in their 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks to take a 3-1 series lead. It was on the Canucks' final goal early in the third period by Alexandre Burrows that Sedin put his pass through Antti Niemi's legs:

No. 2 Star: Sami Salo, Vancouver Canucks

With Vancouver scoring three power play goals in a 1:55 span in the second period, it was Salo who potted two of them and helped set up Ryan Kesler for the first one. Salo hadn't scored since Game 4 against Chicago in the opening round and it was his first multi-point game of the season.

No. 3 Star: Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Luongo needed to help the Canucks stave off five straight power plays for San Jose to start the game and then later stand tall as the Sharks outshot Vancouver 17-3 in the final period. Making 33 saves, Luongo earned his 11th win of the playoffs.

Honorable mention: Daniel Sedin wasn't left off the scoresheet as he recorded three assists ... Salo and Dan Hamhuis each blocked five shots ... Keith Ballard delivered the hit of the playoffs after he flipped Jamie McGinn along the boards:

Did you know? Vancouver had scored just one 5-on-3 goal during the regular season. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: San Jose has only scored on three of their last 15 power play chances, while Vancouver is 5-for-12 ... Antti Niemi allowed the four Canuck goals on just 13 shots ... Raffi Torres was given two minutes for charging at the end of the first period after this hit on Douglas Murray:

Joe Thornton left the game in the third period and did not return after taking a hit from Torres ... Finally, Ryan Kesler thought this was a sucker-punch from Ryane Clowe at the end of the game and said he'd like the NHL to look at it. What do you think?

Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks; 2. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning; 3. Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; 4.�Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins; 5. Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks; 6. Sean Bergenheim, Tampa Bay Lightning; 7. Dwayne Roloson, Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins; 9. Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks; 10. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks.

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