Penguins grab 3-0lead on Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Evgeni Malkin had two goals and two assists in his second straight four-point performance, and the Pittsburgh Penguins pushed Carolina to the brink of elimination by routing the Hurricanes 6-2 on Saturday night.

Sidney Crosby added a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who lead the series 3-0. They scored twice in the final minute of the first period, then added two more goals in 40 seconds of the third to seal their fourth straight victory.

Pittsburgh can sweep the best-of-seven series Tuesday night and make a second straight trip to the Stanley Cup finals.

-- AP