Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saturday’s Three Stars: Quick sets record; Stamkos breaks out

No. 1 Star: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are still alive in their series with the San Jose Sharks for one reason: Jonathan Quick. He set a franchise regulation-time record with 51 saves in the Kings' 3-1 victory over the Sharks, making 19 in the first period as LA received goals from Wayne Simmonds, Kyle Clifford and Dustin Penner. The Kings still trail the series, 3-2.

No. 2 Star: Nathan Horton, Boston Bruins

Horton's double-OT goal ended a brilliant goaltending duel between Tim Thomas (44 saves) and Carey Price (49 saves) as the Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, to take a 3-2 series lead.

No. 3 Star: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning star finally broke through against the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring two goals and assisting on Vincent Lecavalier's second-period goal in Tampa Bay's 8-2 victory. Simon Gagne and Pavel Kubina both had two-goal games as well.

Honorable mention: The Washington Capitals received goals from Mike Green on the power play, Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin in their 3-1 victory in Game 5 to eliminate the New York Rangers. Michal Neuvirth made 26 saves. Wojtek Wolski had the lone goal for the Rangers. … Michael Rupp and Chris Conner had the Penguins goals. … Dwayne Roloson made 13 first-period saves and 31 for the game. … Patrick Marleau had the lone goal for the Sharks. … Brad Marchand and Jeff Halpern traded goals in the third period for the Bruins and Habs. … Finally, as good as Tim Thomas was, he had a little help from Michael Ryder and Zdeno Chara, too:

Did you know? Boxer Micky Ward of Lowell, the subject of the movie "The Fighter" was in the crowd at Habs/Bruins. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Antti Niemi was pulled after giving up three goals on four shots in just 8:42. … Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled after giving up four goals on 14 shots in 25:10. … Mike Green took a puck to the helmet in a scene reminiscent of one that concussed him earlier in the season. Coach Bruce Boudreau said he could have played in the third period of the Caps needed him. ... Sean Avery accused Brooks Laich of biting his finger in the final minute of the Rangers' season. … The Rangers power play ended its series 1-for-20. ... Finally, not the best GWG call when you declare the wrong team won (s/t HuffPo)

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. Mike Fisher, Nashville Predators; 7. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres; 8. Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks; 9. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; 10. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

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