NHL Three Stars: Schneider saves Devils vs. Canucks; Quick pulled in loss
No. 1 Star: Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils
Schneider was brilliant against his old team, making 36 saves in the Devils’ 3-2 win at the Vancouver Canucks. That included 17 saves in the third period. He helped the Devils shut down the Canucks’ power play in their first six attempts as well, until they scored at the final buzzer with a man advantage and the goalie pulled.
No. 2 Star: Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes
The defenseman scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season in the Canes’ 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. That included the eventual game-winner at 17:46 of the second. Faulk has eight goals on the season, all scored on the power play.
No. 3 Star: Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens
The Habs forward sniped a power-play goal with 3:29 left in the third period, as the Canadiens defeated the New York Islanders, 4-2.
Honorable Mention: Joe Pavelski had two goals, but it was two third-period goals by Brent Burns and Brenden Dillon that pushed the San Jose Sharks to a 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. … Boone Jenner scored his 11th for the Jackets. … Mike Cammalleri had a goal and two assists. … John Tavares scored his 10th. … Anze Kopitar had two goals, while Dustin Brown scored on a penalty shot.
Did You Know? Defenseman Brett Pesce scored his first NHL goal for Carolina.
Dishonorable Mention: Tavares had some pointed words about the goalie interference penalty called on Taylor Beck. “I thought Price went down pretty easy.” … Radim Vrbata missed on a penalty shot attempt. … Kopitar was given a rare delay of game penalty on a faceoff violation. … Jhonas Enroth replaced Jonathan Quick (17 saves on 21 shots) to start the third period for the Kings. … Brendan Gallagher will need surgery on two broken fingers after blocking a Johnny Boychuk shot.
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
