NHL Three Stars: Pavelski pushes Predators to brink

No. 1 Star: Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks 

The Sharks sniper scored two goals in their 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators, giving him eight on the postseason. Not a bad way to respond to that whole “no goal” thing in Game 4. 

No. 2 Star: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin’s power-play blast in the first period gave the Capitals an early lead. His second power-play blast helped generate T.J. Oshie’s second-period goal en route to a 3-1 Capitals win in Game 5.

No. 3 Star: Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues

The Blues goalie made 27 saves, putting the Blues one win away from the conference finals with a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 5. The Blues were outshot 12-3 in the third period.

Honorable Mention: Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny had a goal and an assist.  … Justin Williams scored for the Capitals., while Braden Holtby had 30 saves. … Patrick Marleau had a goal and an assist. Joonas Donskoi and Joe Thornton had two assists each. 

Dishonorable Mention: Jamie Benn had no points and was a minus-2. … Ryan Johansen and Mike Ribeiro earned misconduct penalties in the third period.

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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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