NHL Three Stars: Stamkos powers Lightning comeback; Ducks best Blackhawks again
No. 1 Star: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning found themselves down 2-0 in the second period and then 4-2 early in the third, but fought back to force a shootout where Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman were the only goal scorers, giving Tampa a 5-4 win. Stamkos scored his 24th and 25th of the season, continuing his quest for a third Rocket Richard Trophy. The win was the first for new Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.
No. 2 Star: Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks beat the Chicago Blackhawks for the third straight time this season thanks to a late Sheldon Souray goal and 25 saves from Jonas Hiller. After a Patrick Kane power play tally tied things 1-1 early in the third period, Souray's blast from the point with 2:08 left in regulation deflected off Niklas Hjalmarsson and past Ray Emery for the go-ahead goal. The win was Anaheim's first since they beat the Blackhawks on March 20.
No. 3 Star: Vinny Prospal, Columbus Blue Jackets
Prospal scored his 10th of the season during a seven-goal second period and eight minutes later set up Derick Brassard's sixth as the Blue Jackets downed the Calgary Flames 6-4. Steve Mason made 29 saves for his first win since Feb. 11. Artem Anisimov, Mark Letestu and R.J. Umberger each had two points. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Columbus.
Honorable mention: Behind a three-goal third period, the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 5-3. Two power play goals by Jamie Benn and Cody Eakin, plus an even-strength tally by Jamie Benn boosted the Stars to their third win in four games. Benn, Eakin and Ray Whitney each had two points. Loui Eriksson would have been on the scoresheet had it not been for Matt Hackett. Jaromir Jagr recorded his 1,000th NHL assist:
Did you know? During a stoppage in play, the Flames honored departed captain Jarome Iginla with a video tribute and fans answered with a standing ovation:
Dishonorable mention: Minnesota's 7-game win streak was snapped ... The loss was Emery's first of the season.
NHL video from Yahoo! Sports:
Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
• Kansas, Michigan on opposite ends of March Madness spectrum
• UCLA hires Steve Alford as its next coach
• Tony Romo the latest Cowboy to cash in on mediocrity
• Justin Verlander's record contract a savvy investment for Tigers
