No. 1 Star: Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
The Hart Trophy candidate played like an MVP in the Canucks' 4-3 Game 2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sedin scored on the power play 30 seconds into the second period and then had a critical insurance goal (which would end up the game-winner) in the third on a stellar individual effort. Sedin also had the primary assist on Jannik Hansen's first-period goal, his second in two games. The Canucks lead the series, 2-0.
No. 2 Star: Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks' stars came to play against the Nashville Predators in Game 2, with Getzlaf leading the way in the 5-3 win. He picked up assists on goals by Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan, to whom he made a perfect pass for a break in to the crease. In the second period, Getzlaf scored what turned out to be the game-winner right after power-play time expired. The series is tied 1-1.
No. 3 Star: Eric Brewer, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Bolts defenseman set the tone for their defiant 5-1 Game 2 victory at the Pittsburgh Penguins with a goal just 2:02 into the game on an odd-man rush. He would later add two power-play assists as the Lightning offense came to life. Marty St. Louis had a goal and an assist, while Vinny Lecavalier had a goal and Simon Gagne had three assists. The series is now tied 1-1.
Honorable mention: The Washington Capitals received goals from Jason Chimera and Jason Arnott in the first 4:08 of the second period, and that was all the offense they needed in a 2-0 Game 2 victory over the New York Rangers. The Caps blocked 21 shots and Michal Neuvirth stopped all 22 that he faced to earn his first playoff shutout. The Caps lead the Rangers, two games to none. … Ben Smith had two goals for the Blackhawks. Chris Campoli was a plus-3. … Shea Weber, Joel Ward and Patric Hornqvist had the Predators goals. … Ray Emery made 31 saves for the Ducks. … Craig Adams had the Pens goal.
Did you know? Mattias Ohlund's empty net goal was his first in a Lightning uniform, having played 139 regular season games and two playoff games without a tally.
Dishonorable mention: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa were all held scoreless for the second straight game. … The Penguins are 0-for-13 on the power play in the series. … The Rangers are 1-for-31 on the power play in their last 11 games. … Jordan Staal was a minus-3. … Weber lost a goal on a goalie interference call on David Legwand. … Finally, it's really not cool to shower an assistant coach with ice, Caps fans (via Colin):
Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres; 2. Michal Neuvirth, Washington Capitals; 3. Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; 4. Johan Franzen, Detroit Red Wings; 5. Brian Gionta, Montreal Canadiens; 6. Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks; 7. Alexander Semin, Washington Capitals; 8. Shea Weber, Nashville Predators; 9. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens; 10. Marty St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.