Morning Snapshots: Sharks Sweep Nucks, Hawks Blank Wild + More

Via: sfexaminer.com

• Patrick Marleau scored the overtime winner on a power play for the San Jose Sharks, as they swept their first round series against the Vancouver Canucks. The goal game after an ill-advised and perhaps controversial boarding penalty by Canucks winger Daniel Sedin at 13:03 of the extra frame. It was a disappointing end for the Canucks, who played their best game of the series, but couldn't hold onto a 3-2 lead late in the third period and lost the special teams battle, allowing three power play goals. Joe Pavelski led the way for the Sharks, with two goals, while Joe Thronton picked up three assists. 
• The Chicago Blackhawks took a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Wild thanks to two goals from Patrick Sharp in a 3-0 victory. The Wild were only down 1-0 after one period, but Josh Harding went down with an injury and third string rookie goalie Darcy Kuemper was forced into the cage. Sharp got the second of his two goals on the first shot Kuemper faced, just over a minute into the second period. Minnesota tried to make a comeback in the third, but couldn't get one past Chicago starter Corey Crawford, who picked up the shutout. 
• The New York Islander's offense exploded tonight in a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins to even the series at 2-2. It was a nightmare game for Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who only made 18 saves on 24 shots. Mark Streit, Casey Cizikas and Brad Boyes all had three point nights for the Isles. It was another back and forth game for these two clubs in a series that has been much closer than many expected it would be. As the series now shifts to a critical game five, the Penguins will be hoping to take the momentum back on home ice.
• The Ottawa Senators made a huge third period comeback, down 2-0, to win the game 3-2 in overtime. Kyle Turris netted the winner and also added an assist. It was a relatively subdued game in Ottawa, compared to game three, that featured only four minor penalties. Carey Price left the game after regulation with an undisclosed injury, but had played very well for the Habs up until that point. Backup Peter Budaj started the overtime period and allowed Turris' winning goal. The Senators now lead the series 3-1 and can 
• Kris Letang, P.K. Subban and Ryan Suter were announced as the finalists for the Norris trophy as best all-around defenseman in the NHL. You can read my take on the nominees here.
• And finally, your scores from day five at the IIHF World Championships: Austria doubled Latvia 6-3, Denmark edged Slovakia 3-2, the Americans beat Russia 5-3 and Canada stomped Norway 7-1.