THIRD-PERIOD OUTBURST LIFTS PENGUINS TO GAME 3 VICTORY
The Penguins scored three times in the third period – including the winning goal fromSidney Crosby – to take a 2-1 series lead against the Lightning.
* Crosby, who notched his first career playoff overtime goal in Game 2, potted the winning tally for the second straight contest – a first in his postseason career (114 GP). He established a career high with nine game-winning goals during the regular season.
* Elias adds that Crosby became the first Penguins player to record consecutive game-winning goals in the playoffs since the 2009 Eastern Conference Final vs. CAR, whenEvgeni Malkin also did so in Games 2 and 3.
* “The HBK Line” – the trio of Carl Hagelin (1-1—2), Nick Bonino (0-1—1) and Phil Kessel (1-1—2) – combined for 2-3—5 in Game 3. They have totaled 14-25—39 in 14 total games this postseason (Hagelin: 5-6—11, Bonino: 2-10—12, Kessel: 7-9—16).
* Kessel now has 20-17—37 in 36 career playoff games (1.03 P/GP). Only two other active players, with a minimum of 20 appearances, have averaged more than one point per game during their postseason careers: teammates Crosby (1.15) and Malkin (1.06).
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NHL Short Notes
DID YOU KNOW?
Via Elias, when teams are tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Playoffs series, the winner of Game 3 holds an all-time series record of 200-97 (67.3%).
ALL ACCESS: QUEST FOR THE STANLEY CUP
Take an exclusive look inside the Penguins locker room as captain Sidney Crosbyreceives the team’s “Warrior Helmet” after scoring in overtime of Game 2 in the Eastern Conference Final. ALL ACCESS: Quest for the Stanley Cup, a real-time, behind-the-scenes documentary series, premieres this Friday, May 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
NHL ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The NHL announced that Brian MacLellan of the Capitals, Jim Nill of the Stars and Jim Rutherford of the Penguins are the three finalists for the 2015-16 NHL General Manager of the Year Award.
Voting for this award was conducted among the 30 club general managers and a panel of NHL executives, print and broadcast media at the conclusion of the Second Round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 22, during the 2016 NHL Awards from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Click here for more information on each finalist.
LOOSE PUCKS
Forward Tyler Johnson scored his 19th career playoff goal, all with the Lightning, to move past Brad Richards (18) and into sole possession of fourth place in franchise history . . . Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 44 saves, one shy of his career high in any contest (Dec. 20, 2014 at NYI: 45 SV) and the most by a Tampa Bay goaltender in a regulation playoff game . . . Penguins goaltender Matt Murray (26 SV) has won 18 of his first 25 career games (regular season and playoffs) . . . ICYMI: Sharks forward Joe Thorntondanced with fans at Scottrade Center during his team’s Game 2 victory . . . MLS star Kaka, who plays for Orlando City SC, served as the Bolts Social Captain while attending Game 3 in Tampa Bay (photo courtesy of @KAKA).
SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
St. Louis @ San Jose, 9:00 p.m., series tied 1-1, NBCSN, CBC, TVAS
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Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.
About Kukla's Korner Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
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