NHL Three Stars: Cardiac Cats comeback against Leafs; Fowler beats Canucks in OT
No. 1 Star: Brad Boyes, Florida Panthers
Nick Bjugstad drew a hooking call on Cody Franson late in the third with the game tied. Boyes capitalized on the power play opportunity sending the game winner past James Reimer.
No. 2 Star: Willie Mitchell, Florida Panthers
The Panthers captain helped to complete the Cats comeback from two goals down with his game-tying goal midway through the third.
No. 3 Star: Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks
The young Ducks defenseman won the game in overtime on a nifty pass-deflection from teammate Devante Smith-Pelly.
Honorable Mention: Francois Beauchemin provided the game-tying goal for the Ducks ... Ryan Getzlaf assisted on both Anaheim goals, bringing his scoring streak 13 points in 8 games ... Congrats to Ducks forward Max Friberg on making his NHL debut, he recorded 2 hits in 8:49 TOI ... The Leafs weren't all bad in their blown lead, 6-4 loss. James van Riemsdyk scored a power play goal after tremendous puck handling by Phil Kessel ...
Did you know? Tonight was Randy Carlyle's 700th game behind an NHL bench. Too bad the Leafs couldn't manage a victory...
Dishonorable Mention: Vancouver put up only 14 shots on goal against Anaheim ... Richard Panik was knocked out the game with this hit by Scottie Upshall ... Jonathan Bernier was tapped to get the start for the Leafs, but he came down with 'flu-like symptoms' prior to warm up; Jonathan Bernier took his place and Marlies goaltender Chris Gibson arrived at the arena in Florida right as they dropped the puck ... Carter Ashton played 7:29 in his first game back since his 20-game suspension for testing positive for banned substances and was a minus-1 ... Cody Franson and Dionne Phaneuf were both minus-3, this didn't help ...
- - - - - - -
Jen Neale is a staff writer for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter!
