Crosby, Penguins crush Flyers

PHILADELPHIA — Sidney Crosby scored his fifth goal of the series and became the Pittsburgh Penguins’ career postseason points leader in a 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.

The Penguins lead the first-round playoff series 3-1 as it shifts to Pittsburgh for Game 5.

Matt Murray stopped 26 shots for his second shutout of the series and the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are a win away from playing in the second round for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons.

Crosby scored in the second period for a 4-0 lead and passed Pittsburgh owner and Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux for most playoff points with 173.

The Flyers were already on their second goalie by the time Crosby scored. The Penguins chased Brian Elliott early in the period after the maligned goalie allowed his 14th goal of the series. Michal Neuvirth relived Elliott.

Game 5 is Friday.

LIGHTNING 3, DEVILS 1: Nikita Kucherov scored two goals, set up another and knocked top New Jersey defenseman Sami Vatanen out of the game with a big hit, and Tampa Bay moved within a game of making the Devils’ first trip to the playoffs in six years a short one. Vezina Trophy finalist Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped three breakaways in making 27 saves as the Lightning took a 3-1 lead in the firstround series. Tampa Bay can wrap up the best-ofseven series in Game 5 at home on Saturday.