No. 1 Star: Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
The Flames keeper continued his strong play in 2011 with a 27-save shutout, as Calgary blanked the visiting St. Louis Blues, 1-0. David Moss had the third-period goal from Alex Tanguay. It was his fifth shutout of the season. Kiprusoff did have a little help late in the game, as a goal was waved off on a David Backes high stick and a shot from Patrik Berglund hit the pipe.
No. 2
Star: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Leaders lead. The Blackhawks captain scored the first two goals of the game against the Phoenix Coyotes in the first period, including one on the power play, and then scored the lone goal in the shootout as Chicago won, 4-3. Marian Hossa had the other regulation goal for the Blackhawks. The Coyotes rallied in the second with goals by Keith Yandle and Martin Hanzal on the power play, but could get nothing more past Corey Crawford (26 saves). Ilya Bryzgalov had 38 saves in the loss.
No.
3 Star: David Legwand, Nashville Predators
The Preds continued their dominance over the Columbus Blue Jackets on home ice, winning for the 16th straight time in Nashville against the Jackets, 3-2. Shea Weber and Jonathon Blum (his first NHL goal) matched tallies from rookie Matt Calvert and Kris Russell; but it was this hustling David Legwand backhander on a Mathieu Garon rebound that iced it at 18:25 of the third:
Honorable mention: Martin St. Louis had a goal and an assist in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2-1 win at the New York Rangers, getting the primary helper on Vinny Lecavalier's game-winner in the third. Dwayne Roloson had 22 saves in what coach Guy Boucher called "the ugliest game of the year." ... The New Jersey Devils closed to back within nine points of the No. 8 seed with a 2-1 win at the Florida Panthers, as Martin Brodeur returned to stop 25 shots. ... Brandon McMillan's third-period power-play goal proved to be the game-winner in the Anaheim Ducks' 3-2 win over the staggering Colorado Avalanche. Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and Bobby Ryan had two assists. After 61 games this season and 70 overall, Todd Marchant finally scored a goal. ... Michael Ryder, Nathan Horton and newly acquired Rich Peverley scored for the Bruins in their 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Yes, this was a Hall vs. Seguin showdown; no, not many in the hockey world stopped to notice. ... The Atlanta Thrashers rallied from a 2-0 deficit to the Toronto Maple Leafs (including another Phil Kessel goal), and Ron Hainsey scored in overtime for a 3-2 win at home.
Did you know? Tampa Bay swept the season series against the Rangers for the first time since 1996-97.
Dishonorable mention: Leafs rookie sensation James Reimer left their game after being run over by Evander Kane, who was given a goalie interference penalty. J.S. Giguere played the final 26:27 and gave up all three goals. ... The Ducks/Avs game featured three first-period fights, including two within 17 seconds of each others. ... The Blue Jackets appeared to be jobbed out of a goal vs. Nashville. ... Finally, we haven't had many of these this season, but Coach John Tortorella had a testy presser about the Rangers' loss and the officiating: "I wish the League would stay the hell out of it and let the teams decide it." (Via Blueshirt Banter)
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