NHL Three Stars: Bonino closes out Capitals
No. 1 Star: Nick Bonino, Pittsburgh Penguins
The center scored the series-winning goal at 6:32 in overtime to propel the Penguins to the conference final with a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals.
No. 2 Star: Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins
Phil The Thrill helped the Penguins build a three-goal lead and assisted on Bonino’s game-winner. It was his first goal since the Penguins closed out the Rangers.
No. 3 Star: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The Capitals star had two assists and had a game-high 14 shot attempts in a losing effort.
Honorable Mention: T.J. Oshie, Justin Williams and John Carlson had the Capitals’ goals. … Carl Hagelin had a goal and two assists for the Penguins. … Nicklas Backstrom had two assists. … Matt Murray made 36 saves.
Dishonorable Mention: Brooks Orpik took a devastating double-minor for high-sticking in the second period, resulting in two Penguins power-play goals. … Braden Holtby said the first Kessel goal was on him. … Karl Alzner played the first period and part of the second period before going out with a groin injury. … The Penguins had three straight delay of game calls in the third period.