If you watched the wildly exciting Game 3 of the Avalanche-Canucks series (won by Colorado, 4-3, in OT), you might have wondered why Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi isn't a star in this league.

The 26-year-old forward was a force in Monday night's game. He repeatedly punished the Avs with his Lindros-like 6'3", 235-pound frame. He used his skating skill -- rare in such a big guy -- to drive to the net. And he showed off his talented hands -- also surprising for a man of his size -- by setting up one goal and scoring another.

After a domininating three periods of hockey, though, Bertuzzi flushed the night in one ill-timed moment. Early in the extra session, the Canucks were about to gain an almost-unheard-of overtime power play, courtesy of an interference call on Avs rookie Steve Reinprecht. If the overmatched Canucks could cash in with the extra man, they would close the series to 2-to-1 in front of a crazed GM Place crowd.

Then, in a post-whistle scrum behind the Avs' net, Bertuzzi toppled Colorado D Eric Messier and proceeded to drive Messier's head into the ice. For the undisciplined cheap shot, Bertuzzi was sent to the box for roughing. That wiped out the Canucks' power play -- and their chance to win.

With both Reinprecht and Bertuzzi in the box, the clubs skated four-on-four -- a clear advantage for the more skilled Avalanche. Just 43 seconds later, Peter Forsberg reminded everyone why he is a star in this league, fighting off two Canucks (Brendan Morrison and Murray Baron) and then patiently lifting a forehand over a beaten Bob Essensa. Game over. Series ... almost over.

As for Bertuzzi, he'll certainly feel bad about his poor decision. Clearly, though, he's come a long way from when he first entered the league with the Islanders in 1995. Then just 20, Bertuzzi wasn't ready for the NHL. He was promoted too soon by an organization with a bad recent history of rushing young prospects. Other young players, in better organizations, get to learn in the dim light of the minor leagues. Bertuzzi has done his learning on center stage. On Monday, in just his third professional playoff game, Bertuzzi's big league education continued.

If he can ever put it all together over the course of a season -- kind of like he did for three periods of Game 3 -- Todd Bertuzzi will be a star in this league. A big star.

E.J. Hradek covers hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.