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NHL 3 Stars: Kipper’s last stand; Brad Richards nets hat trick for Rangers

No. 1 Star: Brad Richards, New York Rangers

Sure, you could subtract points because, for two of Richards' three goals, he just sort of happened to be there when the Buffalo Sabres scored on themselves. But he still scored three times as the Rangers eliminated the Sabres in an 8-4 drubbing.

No. 2 Star: Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames

In what might be his final start in the Saddledome with the Flames finishing their year on the road, Kiprusoff was fantastic, making 32 saves in a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Kipper came within four minutes of a shutout before Corey Perry ruined everything, but the fans didn't hold it against him. He was saluted at centre ice at the end of the game. If this is it for him, it couldn't have been a better way to go out.

No. 3 Star: Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Eberle helped to end the Oilers' six-game losing streak, posting a goal and two assists in the Oilers' 4-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

Honourable mention: Two-point nights for Ryane Clowe and Rick Nash in Buffalo... Chris Stewart and Ryan Reaves scored in the St. Louis Blues' big 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars... Duncan Keith had a goal and two assists for the Chicago Blackhawks, who overcame the Nashville Predators and a 3-point night from Matt Halischuk for a 5-4 overtime win. Marian Hossa scored the OT winner:

Did You Know? After reports that the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings had been apprehended, the crowd in St. Louis began chanting "USA! USA!"

Dishonourable mention: It goes without saying that most people expected a better effort from the Sabres than the one they gave, and while Ryan Miller might deserve a pass on a few of those goals, the cheeky wave to the fans after may have spelled the end of his relationship with the fans of Buffalo... The Colorado Avalanche were booed by the home fans in their loss to the Oilers.