No. 1 Star: Vinny Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning captain scored twice in Tampa's 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals, taking a 2-0 series lead. His power-play goal at 19:01 of the first period, a rocket from the circle, gave the Bolts a 1-0 lead. His overtime game-winner came on a bad change from the Caps and two good feeds from defenseman Randy Jones and winger Teddy Purcell.
No. 2 Star: Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks
The Sharks keeper was strong in making 33 saves, as San Jose took a 2-0 lead in their series against the Detroit Red Wings with a 2-1 victory. He was at his best in the first period, as the Sharks killed off six minutes of power-play time for the Red Wings.
No. 3 Star: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin scored his fourth of the playoffs at 18:52 of the third period to tie Game 2 and send it into overtime.
Honorable mention: The Sharks received goals from their blueline, as Ian White and Niclas Wallin provided the offense in their victory. Henrik Zetterberg had the Detroit goal. … Marty St. Louis had an assist and a goal, his pass to Lecavalier going off the skate of Mike Green and in for the Bolts' second goal. … Dwayne Roloson made 35 saves.
Did you know? The Red Wings have lost six of their last seven series when falling behind 2-0, with the only win coming in the first round against Vancouver in 2002. (AP)
Dishonorable mention: Ben Eager was given a roughing penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for skirmish with Todd Bertuzzi. … The Capitals are now 0-for-11 on the power play in the series. … Detroit was outshot 19-9 in the second period.
Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Danny Briere, Philadelphia Flyers; 2. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; 3. Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks; 4. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning; 5. Michal Neuvirth, Washington Capitals; 6. Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; 7. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators; 8. Nathan Horton, Boston Bruins; 9. Dwayne Roloson, Tampa Bay Lightning; 10. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers.