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.