Crosby's hat trick powers Penguins

Sidney Crosby had his second career playoff hat trick and the host Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators, 4-3, on Friday night to take a two-games-to-none lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Brenden Morrow added his first playoff goal in more than five years, Tomas Vokoun made 19 saves, and the Penguins rode their superstar captain to their fourth straight victory.

Crosby beat Craig Anderson three times in the game's first 22 minutes, sending the goalie to the bench after stopping 18 of 21 shots.

A dizzying 22-second span that led to a pair of Los Angeles power-play goals turned what appeared to be destined to be a tied series into an 0-2 hole for the San Jose Sharks.

San Jose hopes the confidence gained from scoring three goals against Jonathan Quick and taking a 3-2 lead into the final two minutes will carry over to Game 3 on Saturday in front of what should be a raucous crowd at the Shark Tank.

San Jose lost just two games in regulation all season at home.

Joel Quenneville, Bruce Boudreau and Paul MacLean are finalists for the Jack Adams Award, given to the head coach who has contributed most to his team's success.

The NHL announced the nominees on Friday.

The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup Final.

- Associated Press