Pavelski again tops Three Stars

1. Joe Pavelski, Sharks: After garnering our first star honor last Sunday in San Jose's series-clinching win vs. Colorado, Pavelski again distinguished himself in all facets of the game and continued to find seams in the offensive zone to get open looks on goal and score big tallies, including the Sharks' first and last of this night. To begin the third period, Pavelski struck on a 5-on-3 carryover powerplay to put the Sharks ahead 4-2. It proved to be the game-winner as the Red Wings refused to go away.

2. Dan Boyle, Sharks: Rushing the puck or stopping the rush, Boyle was equally adept at both. At times he controlled the tempo and flow -- hard to do against the Red Wings. His redemption after the own-goal gaffe vs. Colorado continues.

3. Dan Cleary, Red Wings: He sparked the offense with some spirited play in the offensive zone, scoring a goal and an earning an assist while providing the perfect screen on Johan Franzen's marker. Cleary was a puck-hound in the offensive zone and able to get to the net effectively with and without it. On this night however, the Sharks had just enough and the Wings fell just short. So, while the Sharks took the requisite 1-0 series lead, you got the sense that the Red Wings will be better in Game 2.