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NHL Three Stars: Bobrovsky sends Jackets to playoffs; what a Maroon

NHL Three Stars: Bobrovsky sends Jackets to playoffs; what a Maroon

No. 1 Star: Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets

Officer Bob made 33 saves, including 17 in the third period, to back-stop the Blue Jackets to their first playoff appearance since 2009 and a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars – a rescheduled game from March 10 when Rich Peverley fell ill.

No. 2 Star: Patrick Maroon, Anaheim Ducks

Two goals for Maroon in the Ducks’ 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, capturing the Pacific title. That’s in just 12:22 of ice time, no less. Corey Perry scored his 43rd in the win.

No. 3 Star: Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks

We’ll give Peter Budaj an assist on this one, but Sharp tallied the overtime game-winner for the Chicago Blackhawks in their 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. Sharp and Marian Hossa had a goal and an assist.

Honorable mention: Riley Sheahan’s goal with 1:15 left in regulation earned the Detroit Red Wings the point they needed to make the playoffs, but Jussi Jokinen’s shootout goal was the difference in overtime. The Pittsburgh Penguins won, 4-3, thanks in part to this save by Marc-Andre Fleury in OT:

The Los Angeles Kings rallied with three goals to send the Calgary Flames into overtime, where Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan scored in the 4-3 victory. Anze Kopitar scored his 26th in the loss.

Did You Know? Nathan Horton’s goal, scored on March 10, was changed from a power-play goal to an even strength goal when it carried over to Wednesday night’s game.

Dishonorable mention: James Sheppard was a minus-3. … Alex Galchenyuk left the Canadiens’ game in the first period after a Marian Hossa hit, injuring his right knee. … Antti Niemi was pulled after giving up three goals on 19 shots.