NHL Three Stars: Goalies rule the night

No. 1 Star: Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers

Andrej Sekera’s overtime goal capped off a career night for Talbot, who made 47 stops in a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gave Edmonton a 2-0 first period lead before the Bruins rallied, tying the game late in the third period. But it was Sekera’s goal 41 seconds into the extra period that helped give the Oilers their sixth win in a row:

No. 2 Star: Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals

Holtby and the Caps spoiled Mike Sullivan’s debut behind the Pittsburgh Penguins’ bench with a season-high 44-save performance in a 4-1 victory. T.J. Oshie helped out offensively with a pair of goals and an assist, while Nicklas Backstrom also chipped in with three points.

No. 3 Star: Chad Johnson, Buffalo Sabres

Ryan O’Reilly and Johan Larsson scored 61 seconds apart late in the third period to help power the Sabres by the Detroit Red Wings 2-1. Johnson made a season-high 32 saves, including a game-saver with 20 seconds to go on Gustav Nyquist:

Honorable Mention: The Penguins honored Pascal Dupuis during the first period … According to the Sabres, the win tonight was their first in Detroit since March, 1994 … Brian Boyle’s shorthanded tally 6:13 into the third period was the difference as the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. Ben Bishop made 25 saves. Brandon Dubinsky came this close to tying the game late for Columbus:

Mike Hoffman continued a season which should see him in the All-Star Game by scoring twice and setting up another during a four-goal second period for the Ottawa Senators in a 5-3 win over the LA Kings. Mika Zibanejad also recorded three points. Hoffman now has five multi-goal games this season.

Did You Know? The Oilers are currently in a playoff spot. For real.

Dishonorable Mention: Beau Bennett left the game in the first period after this hit by T.J. Oshie: