The Pittsburgh Penguins were starting to sweat. Their series with the New York Islanders was tied up after an unexpected Game 4 loss. However a change in the lineup served its purpose as the Penguins dropped the Islanders 4-0 to take the lead in the opening playoff series.
Tomas Vokoun got the start over the benched Marc-Andre Fleury and proved why he was signed to the team in the offseason in the first place. Vokoun made 31 saves in his first playoff start in six years. He did not look rusty on bit as he helped the team to the shutout victory. Head coach Dan Bylsma was frustrated after Game 4 when Fleury appeared to be overwhelmed by the Islanders. So the Stanley Cup winner was benched after making 79 consecutive playoff starts. This time, the veteran came out the better player. The 36-yeard old has never seen the postseason past the first round. If he can play in Game 6 like he did in Game 5, he could see the Stanley Cup finals.
Following the solid effort of Vokoun, Sidney Crosby returned from a struggling Game 4 to improve his play. Crosby finished the night with one goal and one assist. Crosby was just announced as a finalist for the Hart Trophy, given to a team's most valuable player. In 36 games, the captain finished with 15 goals and 41 assists for a total of 56 points. His assist total was second best in the league. He has previously won the Hart Trophy once before.
Also nominated for the Hart Trophy is Washington's Alex Ovechkin. He recorded 32 goals, leading the league in 2013. He finished the season with 56 points, including 24 assists. He has already won the trophy twice. The Capitals are hoping he can flash some of that greatness when the team faces off against the New York Rangers in a pivotal Game 5 at home. Currently tied at 2-2, the Capitals will have home-ice advantage in order to try and get the lead. Ovechkin recorded zero points in Game 3 and 4 and needs to get back on track on Friday night.
