NHL Three Stars: Blackhawks, Darling stun Preds in 2OT

No. 1 Star: Scott Darling, Chicago Blackhawks

The journeyman goalie replaced Corey Crawford after the first period, and was a perfect 42 saves on 42 shots for the next 67 minutes and 44 seconds. Duncan Keith’s goal ended the double-overtime affair, 4-3, at 7:49 of the second extra session. Jonathan Toews had a goal and two assists. But it was Darling whose star shined in Game 1. 

No. 2 Star: Brian Flynn, Montreal Canadiens

Flynn had a goal and two assists as the Habs won a wild Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators, 4-3. Flynn assisted on Torrey Mitchell’s game-tying goal and Lars Eller’s go-ahead shorthanded goal; then, with the game tied again, Flynn scored a goal of his own, the eventual game-winner.

No. 3 Star: Jonas Hiller, Calgary Flames

Hiller and Eddie Lack were in a goaltending duel in Game 1, with Hiller pulling out the ‘W’ in a 2-1 victory. Kris Russell’s point shot fooled Lack, while Hiller made 13 saves in the third and 29 for the game.

Honorable Mention: Brock Nelson scored two goals and Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves, as the New York Islanders topped the Washington Capitals, 4-1. Josh Bailey had a goal and an assist. … Patrick Kane had two assists in his return to the Blackhawks’ lineup. … Colin Wilson had two goals.

Did You Know? Sam Bennett, 18, picked up an assist in only his second career NHL game for the Flames. 

Dishonorable Mention: Luca Sbisa was a minus-2. … Matt Niskanen was a minus-4, while Karl Alzner was a minus-3. … P.K. Subban was ejected from the game for a slashing major against Mark Stone in the first period; Stone would return to the game. … Kyle Turris earned 16 PIMs at the end of the game during a fracas; Tom Gilbert earned 12.