The floor was wet with water drained from the Zamboni and Crosby was wearing rubber sandals. But the unsure footing was the least of his problems.

First, Penguins owner Mario Lemieux offered his congratulations. Then another Pens executive held out his hand. There were a few fringe fans and other well-wishers. As he got within range of the interview room, Crosby was stopped by coach Michel Therrien, who had just finished talking to reporters.

"Great game, kid," he whispered simply. "Great game."

Crosby registered a pair of assists, but, just as important, was a defensive force as the Penguins took a 3-0 series lead with an efficient 4-1 win over the sagging Flyers.

"We all depend on each other," Crosby said. "Everyone has their responsibility, and we don't want to let the next guy down. That's the only way you're going to win."

Before his long walk to the postgame interview room, Crosby sat alone at his locker looking at the floor. Maybe he was contemplating the Penguins' position. Pittsburgh, an astounding 11-1 in the playoffs, is one game from the Stanley Cup finals.

"We don't want to think about that," Ryan Malone said. "We have to get ready for Game 4."

Pittsburgh might have used offense to win the Atlantic Division championship, but its defense is carrying it through this playoff run. Last night, the Penguins limited the Flyers to eight shots over the first two periods and 18 overall.

Ryan Whitney was credited with his first playoff goal when a pass deflected off Flyers defenseman Jason Smith at 5 minutes, 3 seconds into the first period. When Marian Hossa scored a highlight goal 2:38 later, the clamps came out. It looked like a New Jersey Devils game.

"They are a patient team," Flyers center Mike Richards said. "They sit back and their defense pulls out. They [force a lot of turnovers] when we try to do too much with the puck, and then their forwards counter the other way."

Crosby had only one shot on goal, but led a contingent of forwards who clogged up the neutral zone and continually forced the Flyers wide. Danny Briere and Vinny Prospal were held without a shot.

"[In a big game like this], you're looking for your great leader to show the way, to dictate the way to the rest of the team," Therrien said of Crosby, who was a plus-2 and is even or better in 11 of 12 playoff games. "There is no doubt Sid tonight, I thought, was fantastic, and he stuck to the plan, too, as well. You can't ask more for a leader like Crosby's doing right now for this hockey team."

Pens notes