Any doubts about Sidney Crosby being a playoff performer no longer exist. He has been magnificent in every facet of the game. He is tied for the most points, leads in goals scored and his plus-12 rating ranks second in the playoffs. Then there's Evgeni Malkin, who has been brilliant. Sergei Gonchar, when healthy, and Marc-Andre Fleury have also been at their very best. This team appears stronger than the one that lost to Detroit in six games last season.

Last year, the Penguins were known as a talented team that lacked playoff toughness. So far this year, they have shown no hint of playoff nerves. These guys have have a job to do and are entirely focused on winning. Surprisingly, one of their weaknesses is the power play. They have scored fewer power-play goals than the Red Wings and their success ratio is much lower.

There doesn't seem to be any doubt that Sidney Crosby will deliver. At the moment, his game is flawless. That puts the pressure on Evgeni Malkin to keep up his torrid pace and on Marc-Andre Fleury, who must be at the top of his game for every minute of every game.

Cam Ward has been terrific in goal, and you even hear people whispering that he should be on the list of the goalies for Team Canada, especially over the second half of the season after Paul Maurice arrived. Eric Staal has been great and Erik Cole has shown the benefits of experience. The Hurricanes also generate a lot of offence from their defence. Rod Brind'Amour continues to dominate on faceoffs and the hockey gods seem to be smiling down on the Hurricanes during this playoff run.

At this point it is hard to pick out many weaknesses though the power play could use some improvement. It's the worst of all the teams that remain in the playoffs with five goals in 48 attempts.

Up until now Cam Ward has been magnificent, and that is going to have to continue. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy before and he's playing that way again. He'll have to keep it up for the Canes to match the Penguins.