Wednesday's Three Stars: Sedin leads Canucks

No. 1 star, Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks:
The talented Vancouver left wing figured in the scoring of both Canuck goals and teamed with his identical twin brother, Henrik, to basically play keepaway from the Blues during much of Game 1 on Wednesday. Daniel Sedin scored 10:03 into the opening period to break a scoreless tie. And he provided the primary assist on Sami Salo's power-play goal that represented game-winning goal. Daniel Sedin led the Canucks with a team-high six shots.

No. 2 star, Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins:
The team captain led with his performance in Game 1, scoring the series'-opening goal just 4:41 after the opening faceoff on a power play. Crosby, who added an assist, had two shots, blocked three and won 12 of 16 faceoffs during 17:16 of ice time.

No. 3 star, Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers:
Yes, he allowed three goals, but Lundqvist made big stops at key times and that's exactly what a goalie needs to provide in the playoffs for success. And the Rangers are thrilled to be 1-0 as the road team against Washington after Lundqvist made 32 saves, including 13 off the stick of Alexander Ovechkin.

Major penalty: Goalie Jose Theodore got off to exactly the wrong start the Capitals need as the young team sets out to win in the playoffs. All eyes will be on Theodore in this series. He was the subject of scrutiny during the regular season and many cast a doubting eye his way as the postseason started. Now, with four goals surrendered on just 21Rangers' shots, if things don't go better in Game 2 then Washington will be looking to make a change.

Minor penalty: The Carolina Hurricanes forgot to check their calendar. They didn't appear to know the playoffs started for them on Wednesday night. The Hurricanes were outplayed from the start in Newark as the Devils outshot the visitors 39-19 and rolled to an easy Game 1 victory.

Conn Smythe Watch: (the top 10)

1. Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers

2. Sidney Crosby, Penguins

3. Roberto Luongo, Canucks

4. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins

5. Zach Parise, Devils

6. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins

7. Daniel Sedin, Canucks

8. Jamie Langenbrunner, Devils

9. Scott Gomez, Rangers

10. Martin Brodeur, Devils

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