Morning Player Notes in the Playoffs (Jun 7)

The Pittsburgh Penguins have scored first in every game in this series and if it wasn't for one resilient effort from the San Jose Sharks in Game 3, this series would be long over by now.  Instead, the Sharks are behind the 8-ball, heading back to Pittsburgh, thanks to a 3-1 victory on Monday night and the Penguins are safely ahead, 3-1, in this series as well.

It was a hearty welcome back to the scoresheet for Evgeni Malkin, who finished with a goal, including the bonus point for the winner, and an assist for a 3-point night, helping to lead the way for his club.  Phil Kessel wasn't too far behind, adding a couple of helpers, now leading the sheet pool players on the team with 21 points, with no bonus points.

The Sharks have been outclassed in this series from the drop of the puck and no matter what kind of inconsequential story lines that the media are going to drum up, like faceoff circle antics, the Penguins have been doing the job, like they've been here before and the Sharks are getting a quick lesson in these finals.

If the Sharks are going to force this series back to the Shark Tank, then Thursday's game will have to play with an immeasurable amount of desperation, something we haven't seen from this club yet.  Martin Jones has done all he can do in most cases, but that run support just isn't there.

After four games in this series, Chris continues to lead the pool with 14 points through four games, followed by both Scott and Brenda, each having 12 points. Eric & Miller Jr. have also crept up into the conversation, now up there with 10 points.

Scott's hot streak in these finals have narrowed the lead between 2nd and 3rd place to 9 points... that is all.