NHL Three Stars: Brassard’s five leads to Seven

 No. 1 Star: Derick Brassard, New York Rangers

The Rangers center had a five-point night in their 7-3 rout of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final. He tallied a hat trick, including an empty netter, and assisted on goals by J.T. Miller and Keith Yandle.

No. 2 Star: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Not a dominating performance for Hank, but many of his 36 saves came at the right time for the Rangers, i.e. during the first two periods when the Bolts controlled play.

No. 3 Star: Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

Well, at least one Lightning player showed up in the third period. Kucherov had two goals in an attempt to lead Tampa back from their deficit.

Honorable Mention: J.T. Miller had a four-point night with a goal and three assists. … Rick Nash had a four-point night, with a goal and three assists. … James Sheppard had the other Rangers goal. … Ryan Callahan scored his first of the playoffs, beating Lundqvist on a breakaway.    

Did You Know? The Rangers are 43-0-1 this season when leading after two periods.

Dishonorable Mention: Ben Bishop was pulled in the third period after giving up his fifth goal. … Valtteri Filppula was a minus-4. … Alex Killorn was a minus-3. …The Lightning were outshot 16-10 in the third period, giving up five goals.