NHL Three Stars: Max Domi tricks Oilers; Nelson’s 4-point night
No. 1 Star: Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes
What a conundrum. Oliver Ekman-Larsson had the game-winner in overtime and an assist on all three of Domi’s goals. Operative phrase: All Three Of Domi’s Goals. The rookie’s hat trick provided all the Coyotes’ goals in regulation. They made him first star. We’ll do the same, with a stick-tap to OEL. The Coyotes defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3.
No. 2 Star: Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
Another tough call. Nelson had a hat trick and an assist on Brian Strait’s game-winner, as the New York Islanders defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-2. Nelson’s final goal: an empty netter on the power play.
No. 3 Star: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
The future Leaf, er, Lightning sniper notched goals Nos. 19 and 20 in the second period of their 4-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Stamkos has 20 goals on the season and is four away from 300. Ben Bishop made 21 saves for the shutout.
Honorable Mention: Jeff Skinner’s power-play goal in overtime gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Elias Lindholm assisted on all three goals. Sidney Crosby has two assists. … Patrik Berglund had two goals, including the game-winner on the power play, as the St. Louis Blues defeated the New Jersey Devils, 5-2. … The Buffalo Sabres scored three first-period goals, including ones by Rasmus Ristolainen and Brian Gionta 20 seconds apart, and then held off the Minnesota Wild, 3-2. Linus Ullmark made 28 saves. Thomas Vanek scored goal No. 14. … Joe Thornton’s unassisted goal in the first period turned out to be the difference in the San Jose Sharks’ 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Joe Pavelski netted his 22nd. … Andrew Shaw had two goals and Marian Hossa had two assists in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 3-2 win against the Nashville Predators.. It was Chicago’s eighth win in a row.
Did You Know? Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville earned his 782nd NHL victory to tie Al Arbour for second all-time.
Dishonorable Mention: Evgeni Malkin took the hooking penalty in overtime that gave Carolina its game-winning power play. … The Predators lost their fourth straight. … Mathieu Perreault was a minus-3. … Bobby Farnham may hear from the NHL after his egregious interference major against Dmitrij Jaskin. … Tyler Myers was given a game misconduct for this cross-check on Tommy Wingels:
