No. 1 Star: Stephen Weiss, Florida Panthers
The Panthers veteran scored the first and last goals for his team, adding an assist in between during their 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. Weiss scored his 10th goal on the power play at 6:50 of the first, with Mike Santorelli scoring just 13 seconds later to make it 2-0. Weiss scored what would be the game-winning goal at 12:11 of the second, on a blown coverage by the Capitals.
No. 2 Star: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
Thomas made 45 saves in the game, including 22 in the final period, to backstop the Bruins to a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was strong on a couple of 5-on-3 power plays as well. Gregory Campbell, Benoit Pouliot and Tyler Seguin had the goals.
No. 3 Star: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
It was in a losing effort for the Blackhawks, but what an effort for Toews: Two goals and an assist in the second period, rallying the 'Hawks from a 3-0 deficit against the Phoenix Coyotes. Toews couldn't convert in the shootout against Mike Smith (32 saves), as the Coyotes won 4-3.
Honorable mention: The Toronto Maple Leafs built a 3-0 lead on the road, and then hung on for a 4-2 victory at the New York Rangers. Joffrey Lupul, who earlier said he was confident the Leafs could beat the Rangers, scored his 13th for the game-winner. Jonas Gustavsson made 30 saves. …Marian Gaborik scored his 13th for the Rangers. … The alarm clock went off for the Ottawa Senators in the third period, scoring three goals to rally against the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-2. Daniel Alfredsson had a goal and an assist; Zack Smith had two goals. Nick Foligno had the game-winner. … Steven Stamkos had two assists. … Brian Campbell had three assists for the Panthers, while Dmitry Kulikov had a goal and two assists. … John Carlson had three assists for the Capitals, while Jason Chimera scored his team-leading 11th goal. … Radim Vrbata scored his 13th and converted in the shootout. … This Dion Phaneuf hit on Michael Sauer was one of the best of the season:
Fight of the Night: Here is Matt Niskanen vs. Brad Marchand, with Jack Edwards on the stick:
Did you know? Zack Smith slipped on a red carpet and fell to the ice before the game when he was about to be presented with the Senators' player-of-the-month award for November. (AP)
Dishonorable mention: Alex Ovechkin had no points and was a minus-2, failing to cover Weiss on the game-winning goal. … Michal Neuvirth, getting the start in Florida over Tomas Vokoun, gave up five goals on 30 shots. … Scary moments for the Penguins, as Sidney Crosby collided knee-on-knee with Chris Kunitz; he winced in pain but returned to the game. … Corey Crawford was pulled after giving up three goals on 16 shots in 21:08. Ray Emery made 11 saves in relief.