Penguins take 3-0 lead

RALEIGH, N.C. - Evgeni Malkin had 2 goals and 2 assists in his second straight 4-point performance, and the Pittsburgh Penguins pushed Carolina to the brink of elimination by routing the host Hurricanes 6-2 on Saturday.

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 2 more goals in 40 seconds of the third to seal their fourth straight victory.

Pittsburgh can sweep the best-of-seven series Tuesday night.