NHL Three Stars: Kuznetsov steps up for Caps; Johnson leads Bolts to Game 7

No. 1 Star: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals 

The rookie forward’s goal with 7:18 left in the third period broke a 1-1 tie and helped the Capitals beat the New York Islanders 2-1 in Game 7. They now advance to face the New York Rangers in the second round, the fifth time the two franchises will meet in the postseason since 2009.

No. 2 Star: Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

Johnson scored twice as the Lightning forced Game 7 Wednesday night with a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The center is now tied with Vladimir Tarasenko for the goal scoring lead with six. 

No. 3 Star: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning 

Kucherov had a hand in three Lightning goals, including both of Johnson’s. 

Honorable Mention: Braden Holtby needed only 10 saves … Nicklas Backstrom was 16-for-21 in the face-off circle … Not only did the Capitals go home happy, so too did members of the Washington Wizards … Petr Mrazek’s stop on Brian Boyle: save of the year? … Tomas Tatar scored a pair in a losing effort for Detroit.

Did You Know? “This was the eighth time in 10 playoff series involving Ovechkin that went to a Game 7, and his team was only 2-5 in such contests until Monday.” (AP) 

Dishonorable Mention: John Tavares was held without a shot on goal and Islanders forwards combined for three shots … The Islanders’ elimination also means the end of Nassau Coliseum. The team will move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning next season … New York still has not won a playoff series since 1993 … Will Niklas Kronwall hear from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after his hit on Kucherov?

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