No. 1 Star: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
The San Jose captain was key in the Sharks building a 3-0 first period lead by assisting on both Patrick Marleau goals and he would later help set up Dan Boyle's tally in the third period that turned out to be the game-winner in a 4-3 victory. Vancouver leads the series 2-1. Only Dan Boyle played more than Thornton (25:35) in Game 3 with Jumbo spending 10:33 on the power play. Thornton now leads all scorers in the playoffs with 17 points.
No. 2 Star: Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau continued his hot streak by scoring a pair in the opening period and assisting on Boyle's goal in the third period for a three-point night. Since Jeremy Roenick called him "gutless" after Game 5 versus Detroit, Marleau has scored five times in five games.
No. 3 Star: Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks
Boyle's blast between Roberto Luongo's five-hole would stand as the game-winner after a third period Vancouver comeback:
Boyle has points in seven of his last eight games and 10 points over that stretch.
Honorable mention: Ian White (six) and Douglas Murray (five) led the Sharks in blocked shots ... Ryan Kesler won 19 of 27 faceoffs ... Three of San Jose's four goals came on the power play.
Did you know? The win was San Jose's first in a conference final game at home. (AP)
Dishonorable mention: Vancouver gave the Sharks the first five power plays of the game with San Jose cashing in on two of them ... Christian Ehrhoff (upper body) left the game in the first period and did not return. Same for Logan Couture who collided with Ryane Clowe in the third. Todd McLellan said he expects Couture in the lineup for Game 4 ... Jamie McGinn received a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Aaron Rome:
Alain Vigneault said after the game that both Ehrhoff and Rome could miss Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks; 2. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning; 3. Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins; 4. Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks; 5. Sean Bergenheim, Tampa Bay Lightning; 6. Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; 7. Dwayne Roloson, Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. David Krejci, Boston Bruins; 9. Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks; 10. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks.