No. 1 Star: Ilya Bryzgalov(notes), Phoenix Coyotes

After giving up eight goals in the last two starts (and getting pulled against the New York Rangers), Bryzgalov returned to form in a 2-0 shutout at the St. Louis Blues. He made 32 saves, some of them in spectacular fashion late in the game. Daniel Winnik(notes) and Taylor Pyatt(notes) provided the offense for Phoenix.

No. 2 star: Steven Stamkos(notes), Tampa Bay Lightning

Stamkos continued his stellar sophomore season with two goals (Nos. 8 and 9) and an assist in the Bolts' 5-2 rout of the visiting Ottawa Senators. Both of his tallies were on the power play: a redirection of a Vincent Lecavalier(notes) shot in the first period, and then the goal of the night in the third period after undressing the Ottawa defense.

No. 3 star: Dustin Penner(notes), Edmonton Oilers

Speaking of players having resurgent seasons, Penner scored his ninth of the season and added three assists in the Oilers' wild 6-5 shootout win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Edmonton blew a 4-1 lead, as the Wings' Jonathan Ericsson(notes), Todd Bertuzzi(notes) and Patrick Eaves(notes) scored in the third to force the shootout -- where Patrick O'Sullivan(notes) won it for Edmonton.

Honorable mention: Alexander Ovechkin leads the NHL in points (22) and goals (13) after two goals and an assist in the Washington Capitals' 4-3 win at the Atlanta Thrashers. Semyon Varlamov(notes) made 38 saves. Zach Bogosian(notes) had two goals for Atlanta, including a "buzzer beater" at 19:59 of the third period after a solid Thrashers rally. ... The New Jersey Devils moved to 6-0 on the road with a 2-1 win at the Boston Bruins, as backup goalie Yann Danis(notes) made 31 saves for this first victory as Martin Brodeur's(notes) understudy. Dainius Zubrus(notes) scored with 1:26 left in the third to win it. ... Pekka Rinne(notes) made 22 saves and the Nashville Predators' defense was fantastic in front of him in shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-0. Joel Ward(notes) had the game's lone goal before Jerrod Smithson's empty netter. ... Finally, Mikeal Samuelsson provided the key offense for the Vancouver Canucks, scoring their only goal in regulation and then beating Jonathan Quick in the shootout (video) for a 2-1 victory at the Los Angeles Kings. Does it ruin Canada Night for the Kings if the Canadian team wins, or is it apropos?

Did you know?: Kings Coach Terry Murray, not exactly fond of the skills competition. "It's a useless part of the game, the shootout, but the fans love it. For that, I like it, because the fans are excited. They're standing up and waiting for the next shooter. It is good for the game, but boy, do I hate it." Bless that man.

Dishonorable mention: Both goals by the Devils were scored when Bruins goalie Tim Thomas(notes) let a puck through, it settled in the crease behind him and a Jersey player swooped in for the score. ... Brian Lee(notes) was a minus-2 in his first game back up with Ottawa. ... The Capitals allowed 20 Thrashers shots in the third period, and nearly lost their lead. Edmonton also allowed 20 shots in the third and did lose the lead, as Nikolai Khabibulin(notes) made 40 saves on 45 shots against Detroit. ... The Blackhawks were 0-for-5 on the power play. ... Finally, condolences to our Detroit readers for losing Valtteri Filppula for up to two months.

Related: Steven Stamkos, Martin Brodeur, Zach Bogosian, Joel Ward, Semyon Varlamov, Jonathan Ericsson, Pekka Rinne, Dustin Penner, Yann Danis, Patrick O'Sullivan, Tim Thomas, Nikolai Khabibulin, Todd Bertuzzi, Dainius Zubrus, Ilya Bryzgalov, Vincent Lecavalier, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, 3 Stars