Wednesday’s Three Stars: Lundqvist, Reimer post shutouts; Samuelsson’s far out goal
No. 1 Star: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
King Henrik recorded his third shutout in five starts with a 34-save night during a 1-0 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres. After a scoreless regulation and overtime, Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan scored in the shootout to earn the Rangers the extra point. Lundqvist helped preserve the win with a stunning save on Brad Boyes in the shootout:
No. 2 Star: James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs
In only his second start in the last month, Reimer made 25 saves and blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0. Clarke MacArthur scored with 6:05 left in the third period to earn the Leafs a home-and-home split with the Penguins. MacArthur now has four goals in his last three games.
No. 3 Star: Jamie Benn/Michael Ryder, Dallas Stars
Benn notched a goal and two assists in his return to the Stars lineup after missing five games due to an appendectomy as Dallas beat the Anaheim Ducks 6-2. Ryder also posted a 3-point night as the Stars swept a home-and-home series with the Ducks that kicked off before the All-Star break. Kari Lehtonen made 33 saves for his 18th win of the year.
Honorable mention: Ryan Miller stopped 29 shots in the loss where he didn't allow a goal ... A pair of goals from Mikael Samuelsson and 26 saves by Scott Clemmensen helped pace the Florida Panthers to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals to put the Cats back in first place in the Southeast Division. Samuelsson's first goal was one that Michal Neuvirth will want back:
Milestone games for Bobby Ryan (300th) and Corey Perry (500th) ... Drew Doughty beat the buzzer with a goal with 0.4 seconds left in regulation to give the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, but should it have counted? More on this later.
Did you know? "Those two wins are Dallas' only victories since Jan. 12 and the Ducks' only games without earning a point since Jan. 4." (AP)
Dishonorable mention: Buffalo's power went 0-for-5 and have scored just three times in their last 32 opportunities with the extra man.
