No. 1 Star: Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Rinne is no stranger to playing hero for the Predators. His 40 saves helped power Nashville over the Detroit Red Wings with a 3-1 victory putting them a win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinal for the second consecutive postseason.
No. 2 Star: Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers
After falling behind 3-0 early in the first period, the Panthers clawed their way back with four unanswered goals to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 and take the series lead 2-1. Campbell assisted on Florida's second goal and later put home the winner 6:34 into the third period as the Panthers' power play converted on all three of their opportunities.
No. 3 Star: Mikkel Boedker, Phoenix Coyotes
For the third straight game, the Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks went to overtime. Tuesday's hero was Boedker, who scored his first career playoff goal 13:15 into the extra frame to give Phoenix a 3-2 win and take a 2-1 series lead.
Honorable mention: Sean Bergenheim also recorded a goal and assist for the Panthers … Mike Smith stopped 35 shots for the Coyotes … The win was Florida's biggest playoff come-from-behind victory in franchise history … Gabriel Bourque, Kevin Klein and David Legwand scored the Nashville goals.
Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 2. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers; 3. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; 4. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators; 5. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; 6. Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins; 7. Danny Briere, Philadelphia Flyers; 8. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; 9. Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues; 10. Andy McDonald, St. Louis Blues.
Dishonorable mention: Jose Theodore didn't last past the opening 6:16 of the game after allowing three goals on six shots … Martin Brodeur didn't fare much better getting pulled early in the second period after he was beat three times on 12 shots. His 22:16 of ice time was the shortest of his playoff career … The Devils' top-ranked penalty kill unit during the regular season has now allowed six power play goals in 10 chances … Detroit was 1-for-7 on the power play … Raffi Torres laid a big hit on Marian Hossa, who had to leave the ice on a stretcher and later the arena in an ambulance. A Shanaban is in order for that play. Fortunately, Hossa left the hospital tonight and will be monitored by the team.