NHL Three Stars: Rust, Penguins eliminate Rangers

No. 1 Star: Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh Penguins 

The Penguins forward sparked their four-goal second period with two goals and an assist on Matt Cullen’s tally. The Penguins eliminated the New York Rangers, 6-3.

No. 2 Star: Dale Weise, Chicago Blackhawks

The key deadline pickup finally made a playoff impact, as Weise scored the go-ahead goal for the Blackhawks in their 6-3 Game 6 win over the St. Louis Blues.

No. 3 Star: Ryan Garbutt, Anaheim Ducks

After the Nashville Predators took a 1-0 lead in Game 5, David Perron’s fluke deflection goal tied it. But it was Garbutt’s great individual effort, beating both Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne, that gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Honorable Mention: Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist, while Sidney Crosby had two assists. … Matt Murray made 38 saves for his third straight win. … Vladimir Tarasenko scored his fourth. … Andrew Ladd had a goal and an assist, as did Marian Hossa. … Ryan Johansen scored his first of the playoffs. … Ryan Getzlaf and Jacob Silfverberg had two assists.

Did You Know? Murray has won 10 straight since losing 3-2 to the Capitals on March 1.

Dishonorable Mention: Keith Yandle was a minus-3. … Henrik Lundqvist was pulled for the second straight game. … Eric Staal finished the Rangers’ series without a point. … Kevin Shattenkirk was a minus-3. … Shea Weber was a minus-3 with an assist.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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