NHL Three Stars: Backstrom aids Caps’ comeback; Galchenyuk nets OT winner for Habs
No. 1 Star: Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Backstrom played a big part in Washington’s come-from-behind 4-3 win over the New York Islanders in Game 2. After assisting on the Capitals’ first tally, he helped set up Alex Ovechkin’s goal late in the second period. Early in the third, Backstrom’s power play goal tied the game at three:
No. 2 Star: Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens
Galchenyuk’s goal 3:40 into overtime gave the Canadiens a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators to take a 2-0 series lead.
No. 3 Star: Craig Smith, Nashville Predators
Smith scored twice and assisted on another as the Predators evened their series with the Chicago Blackhawks with a 6-2 win. The win was Nashville’s first since March 28. Mike Ribeiro and Filip Forsberg each recorded two points.
Honorable Mention: Max Pacioretty returned to the Canadiens’ lineup and scored the game’s opening goal … Mark Stone played Game 2 for Ottawa, recording a pair of assists … P.K. Subban’s second-period goal nearly took off Andrew Hammond’s head:
Ovechkin’s goal was the 32nd of his career in the postseason, a team record … Eddie Lack stopped 22 shots and the Canucks got goals from Daniel Sedin, Chris Higgins, Ronalds Kenins and Radim Vrbata as they tied their series with a 4-1 win in Game 2.
Did You Know?
Dishonorable Mention: Corey Crawford allowed all six Nashville goals, including three in a span of 2:19 in the third period … Shea Weber left the game and did not return after suffering a lower-body injury in the second period … A linebrawl at the end of Calgary-Vancouver ended with Deryk Engelland earning what is currently listed as two game misconducts, which would result in an automatic one-game suspension once the officials figure out the penalty summary:
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