SportsLine.com looks at the players who turned in the top individual performances in Wednesday night's action.
Other April stars of the night
Andreas Dackell, RW, Ottawa Senators
Andreas Dackell(AP) The Ottawa Senators made the Toronto Maple Leafs defense pay for getting caught up ice Wednesday night as Andreas Dackell converted a pair of two-on-one breaks to help his team even its best-of-seven series at 2-2. Each team has won its home games, and Game 5 is Saturday in Toronto. "It's a new series now," Dackell said.
Chris Osgood , G, Detroit Red Wings
Chris Osgood(AP) If his play against the Los Angeles Kings is any indication, Detroit fans can feel pretty about their chances in these playoffs with netminder Chris Osgood. The veteran turned in his second shutout of the series as Detroit won Game 4 to complete a sweep. Even with a wild Game 2 shootout which saw him win 8-5, Osgood allowed only six goals in the entire series.
Benoit Hogue, C, Phoenix Coyotes
Benoit Hogue(AP) Facing elimination in Game 4 on Wednesday the Phoenix Coyotes knew they had to get ahead of Colorado quickly. Center Benoit Hogue made sure they did when he won a first-period draw from Joe Sakic back to Trevor Letowski, who one-timed a wrist shot past Patrick Roy for the first goal of the game. Hogue then assisted on Travis Green's goal 14 minutes later, helping send the Coyotes to the victory they needed to stay alive.
Jeff Halpern
, RW,
Washington Capitals
Jeff Halpern(AP) The Capitals came home Wednesday night facing the possibility of elimination from the playoffs. Washington played furiously, out-shooting the Penguins 37-23 on the night. Still, victory came to Washington only because rookie Jeff Halpern managed to bang home a rebound at 12:55 of the third period, giving the Caps a 3-2 victory and a chance to play Game 5 of the series.
Steve Shields, G, San Jose Sharks
Steve Shields(AP) Steve Shields made 24 saves, including nine in the third period when the St. Louis Blues were desperate to avoid having their backs pushed against the wall, leading San Jose to a 3-2 victory in Game 4 and a 3-1 lead in the series. Shields has had a strong series for the Sharks, particularly at home where his team has taken control of the series. He allowed only three goals in the two games at the "Shark Tank," while making 55 saves.