Three Stars -- May 13 | SI.com's Rink Side Blog

By Allan Muir, SI.com

1. Sidney Crosby, Penguins: The Flyers managed to bottle up Evgeni Malkin's magic for another night, but that left Crosby free to put on a clinic for the less-than-appreciative fans in Philadelphia. The Kid spent the night freewheeling through the Flyers defense, creating numerous chances for his linemates with his speed and vision. He notched a pair of primary assists in the game's first eight minutes, giving him 15 helpers in the postseason and sole possession of first place in the scoring race (19 points).

2. Sergei Gonchar, Penguins: The postseason allows players the opportunity to forge an identity ... or, at least, cast off an old one. Gonchar, regarded for much of his career as an offensive marvel but defensive liability, is shattering that reputation with a string of impressive two-way efforts. Though he primarily proves his effectiveness quietly with strong positioning, he has a bit of flair to his game as well. His diving sweep-check to rob Mike Richards of a shorthanded breakaway may well have saved a goal and allowed Pittsburgh to maintain the momentum that carried it to a 4-1 victory.

3. Marian Hossa, Penguins: Alright, there were a few moments of atypical defensive lollygagging, but Hossa was in the middle of the Pens' offensive precision all night. His first-period game-winner was a thing to behold, with Hossa taking the puck at his blue line then skating through four Flyer defenders before rifling a wrister through the legs of Lasse Kukkonen and by Flyers goalie Martin Biron. He later added an empty-netter in the final minute, his eighth of the playoffs, to seal the deal.

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May 13, 2008 11:32 PM ET

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I was very skeptical about picket up Hossa for more than likely just the rest of this season given his tendency to not produce in the playoffs. I was really really wrong

JoeyT33

Salix , PA

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May 14, 2008 06:08 AM ET

Shero has to be loving proving all the doubters wrong on the Hossa deal.

perfect360

Pittsburgh , PA

Total Comments (989)

May 14, 2008 07:15 AM ET

I'll keep championing his moves....sorry, readers. A star goes to Coach Therrien (and his fellow coaches) for the awesome "D" during the play-offs. All people could do was talk about the Pens "O" and left the "D" out of the conversation.

If I amy take the liberty, perfect360.....I hope Therrien is smiling large thinking about all the cretins who questioned his coaching ability throughout the season. To them I say......SHUT UP!

T Rocks

Mysterious, PA

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May 14, 2008 11:06 AM ET

I wish this series was better. Without Timmonen and Coburn the Flyers are not able to stop the Pens. What if?

Matt21

Malvern , PA

Total Comments (31)

May 14, 2008 12:13 PM ET

What if what? Everybody is talking about Timmonen and Coburn, let's not forget Philly has 18 other guys that should be able to step up and fill the void. Bottom line Philly can't beat Pittsburgh with Timmonen and Coburn, and they can't beat Pittsburgh without them.

Toddmm5

Latrobe , PA

Total Comments (131)

May 14, 2008 12:20 PM ET

I think with all the playoff revenue that is comming the Pen's way, that signing Hossa after the Cup Finals is a given. I think that playing on a great team would aslo be on his wish list. Playing on the Thrashers has to still be fresh on his mind

Larry The Yankee

Total Comments (9)

May 15, 2008 12:55 AM ET

Flyers should have been deeper on the blueline, bottom line. It's hard to account for you top pair being out, but depth is necessary in all pro sports