Crosby sets standard as Penguins dominate

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

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

Matt Murray stopped 26 shots for his second shutout of the series and the twotime 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 Penguins owner and Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux for most playoff points with 173. Crosby and the Penguins followed a 7-0 Game 1 win and a 5-1 Game 3 victory with another dominant outing.

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 and it didn’t matter. Nikita Kucherov scored twice, including the gamewinner late in the first period, as the Lightning took a 3-1 series lead over the host Devils.

Kucherov added an empty-netter with just over a minute to play. J.T. Miller tied the game for the Lightning after Kyle Palmieri opened the scoring on a power-play goal 8:23 into the game.

The expansion Golden Knights finished off the Kings in a four-game sweep with a 1-0 win late Tuesday night. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 saves for his second shutout of the series and Brayden McNabb scored the lone goal in the second period.

Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey was suspended one game by the NHL for cross-checking Wild forward Eric Staal. The cross-check to Staal’s neck happened in the first period of the Jets’ 2-0 victory Tuesday night. No penalty was called on Morrissey, and Staal finished the game.