Raleigh, N.C. -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are one victory away from marching to the Stanley Cup finals for the second straight year.
The Penguins shocked Carolina with two goals in the final minute of the opening period and coasted to a 6-2 rout of the Hurricanes to take a 3-0 lead in the NHL Eastern Conference final.
Evgeni Malkin had two goals and one assist. Malkin has 12 playoff goals, including six in three games against the 'Canes.
Sidney Crosby added a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who are riding a four-game playoff winning streak. Malkin and Crosby scored 30 seconds apart late in the first to turn a 1-1 tie into a two-goal Penguins lead.
Pittsburgh can sweep the best-of-seven series Tuesday night.
History isn't on the Hurricanes' side. Only twice has a team rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win a series. It hasn't happened since the New York Islanders did it against Pittsburgh in 1975.
