NHL Three Stars: Andersen, Drouin shine in wins
No. 1 Star: Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks
The goalie returned to the starter’s net on Tuesday night and pitched a 27-save shutout in a critical 3-0 win for the Ducks over the Nashville Predators in Game 3.
No. 2 Star: Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning
Sunshine and rainbows for the talented forward and his team, as Drouin’s three power-play assists helped the Lightning to a 3-2 win in Game 4 of their series against the Detroit Red Wings.
No. 3 Star: Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues
The Blues sniper potted two goals and assisted on another in their 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of their series. One of the goals and the assist were on the power play.
Honorable Mention: Matt Cullen scored a huge third-period goal, Sidney Crosby scored his second of the playoffs and Matt Murray made 16 saves as the Pittsburgh Penguins won Game 3 over the New York Rangers, 3-1. … Jamie McGinn, Richard Rakell and Chris Stewart all had goals for the Ducks. … Nikita Kucherov had two goals and Ondrej Palat had the game-winner. … Jaden Schwartz and Alex Steen had big goals in the third for the Blues. Brian Elliott made 39 saves.
Did You Know? The Penguins became the first team in NHL history to have multiple goaltenders win his playoff debut in the same series.
Dishonorable Mention: There were 11 game misconducts handed out at the end of the Blues/Blackhawks game. … Trevor van Riemsdyk was a brutal minus-2, with two turnovers leading to goals. … Eric Staal was a minus-2. … Filip Forsberg was a minus-3. … Craig Smith was injured in the first period for the Predators. … Hyperbolic headline aside, this video shows a nasty stick swing from Kris Letang:
