Penguins enter Game 5 a win from clinching 4th Cup title

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Penguins are one victory away from clinching their fourth Stanley Cup championship.

Pittsburgh returns home for Game 5 on Thursday night holding a 3-1 series lead over the San Jose Sharks.

Forward Phil Kessel leads the Penguins in the playoffs with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists). Rookie goalie Matt Murray has allowed just seven goals in four games against the Sharks.

The Penguins are seeking to win their second title since 2009. The Sharks are attempting to avoid elimination in making the franchise's first Cup Final appearance.

The Sharks have yet to hold a lead this series. They rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Pittsburgh 3-2 in overtime in Game 3.

A Sharks victory would force Game 6 at San Jose on Sunday.