NHL Three Stars: Carlson powers Caps; Pearson helps Kings

No. 1 Star: John Carlson, Washington Capitals

The Capitals defenseman recorded a three-point night with a power play goal and two assists in a 6-1 rout of the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3. Carlson’s power play goal was one of five on the night for Washington. He also played 24:14, second only behind Matt Niskanen among all players.

No. 2 Star: Tanner Pearson, Los Angeles Kings

Pearson’s goal 3:47 into overtime helped give the Kings a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks and avoid falling into an 0-3 hole in their series.

No. 3 Star: Jason Pominville, Minnesota Wild

Pominville tied the game in the second period, put the Wild ahead and later added the empty-net insurance goal as Minnesota downed the Dallas Stars 5-3. The Stars lead the series 2-1. According to the NHL, the Wild won for only the second time in their playoff history after facing a multi-goal deficit.

Honorable Mention: Washington’s power play scored five times, setting a franchise record for power play goals in a game … Alex Ovechkin scored twice and had a three-point evening of his own. He also became the franchise leader in playoff points (75) passing Dale Hunter … The Capitals took a 3-0 lead in a playoff series for the first time in their history … Patrick Sharp scored twice in the game’s opening 4:10 … All three games Monday night saw goals scored in the opening minute … Jonathan Quick was fantastic for the Kings making 29 stops. 

Did You Know? Braden Holtby’s assists gives him more playoff points than Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds.

Dishonorable Mention: Philadelphia’s power play went 0-for-5 and is 0-for-13 through three games … Suspension coming for Pierre-Edouard Bellemare for this hit on Dmitry Orlov? … Brooks Orpik left the game in the second period and did not return following a hit from Ryan White … San Jose had won all five previous overtime playoff games against the Kings.

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