Pork Chop Turned Piñata Turned Playmaker

Kyle Wellwood's five stiches, fattened lip, and missing tooth said it all. He'd played the best game of his short stint as a Vancouver Canuck.

Dubbed Wellfed for his mismanaged waistline, the twice waived oft denounced doughy centerman earned a little respect last night drawing eight minutes in illegal lumber and setting up three goals, including Sami Salo's winner with 1:13 to play, en route to a 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of their second round series.

Set to become a restricted free agent when his one year $998,000 deal expires on July 1st, Wellwood is building a case for another year. "It takes a long time to get to know a player and to trust him and that's what I'm still trying to earn, I guess."

Keep it up Pork Chop and one day we'll be calling you Prime Rib.