NHL 3 Stars: Voracek, Simmonds lead Flyers over Pens; Varlamov blanks Blues
No. 1 Star: Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers' 6-5 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins was the game of the night (and arguably the year). Voracek was the star. He scored three times in the final 21 minutes, his hat-trick goal coming just 33 seconds after Pittsburgh had tied the game and with only 90 seconds to go, giving Philly the two points.
No. 2 Star: Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche
The second game of NBC's double-header wasn't quite as offensively-charged as the first. In a game that was still scoreless through 60 minutes, the Avalanche managed to outlast the St. Louis Blues for a 1-0 overtime victory. Varlamov made 33 saves in the win, which came when David Jones scored 17 seconds before the shootout.
No. 3 Star: Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers
Simmonds had 2 goals, an assist, and a fight for the Gordie Howe Hat Trick in the Flyers' victory. The fight came with Tanner Glass, who called Daniel Briere the dirtiest player in hockey before the game. Was Simmonds defending Briere's honour here?
Honourable mention: Simmonds' first goal came exactly a minute after Niklas Grossmann gave Philadelphia their first of the night. It was, coincidentally, my favourite goal of Wednesday. Look at this colossal clustercuss:
... Jeff Carter had a great night for the Los Angeles Kings, with a goal and an assist in their 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames.
Did you know? Jarome Iginla had 9 shots for the Flames. The rest of Calgary's forwards took a combined 11.
Dishonourable mention: Prior to the game, Nashville Predators forward Rich
Clune was fined $1,452.70 for boarding Colorado Avalanche forward Aaron
Palushaj.
