NHL Three Stars: Kopitar’s trick; Doan sets two Coyotes records
No. 1 Star: Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Tanner Pearson beat Henrik Lundqvist 3:10 into overtime to give the Kings a 5-4 win over the New York Rangers. Kopitar recorded his third career hat trick to help LA to their third win in their last five games. Peter Budaj, called up earlier in the day, made 24 saves to earn his first regular season NHL win since April 4, 2014.
No. 2 Star: Shane Doan, Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes captain scored twice and assisted on another as Arizona got by the Calgary Flames 4-1. With three points, Doan set a franchise record with his 931st point. He also notched his 123rd career power play goal, another franchise record. Both records were held by Dale Hawerchuk. Oliver Ekman-Larsson also recorded three points as the Coyotes ended a five-game losing streak.
No. 3 Star: Marcus Foligno, Buffalo Sabres
Foligno scored twice in the second period, including on a penalty shot, as the Sabres downed the Montreal Canadiens 6-4. Evander Kane scored two of his own, with his first goal assisted by Foligno, and finished with a three-point night. The win ended a four-game losing streak for the Sabres.
Honorable Mention: Kris Letang’s goal in the third round of the shootout helped give the Pittsburgh Penguins a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 29 shots and Phil Kessel potted his 16th goal of the season as the Penguins won for the eighth time in 10 games … Tyler Johnson’s goal 1:04 into overtime gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a dramatic 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Steven Stamkos drew a power play late in the third period and tied the game with 26.6 seconds to go with his 22nd goal of the year. The win was Tampa’s ninth in a row at home … This is one mighty fine goal by Nikita Kucherov, thanks to a lovely pass by Nikita Nesterov:
James Neal recorded his 20th goal of the season and has now reached that mark for the eighth straight season … Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko, David Backes and Colton Parayko each recorded two points as the St. Louis Blues beat the Florida Panthers 5-3. Roberto Luongo, who was pulled after the first, moved past Glenn Hall into sixth place in career NHL games with his 907th appearance … Semyon Varlamov made 43 saves in regulation and overtime and three more in the shootout as the Avalanche edged the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Blake Comeau scored in the third period and netted the deciding tally in the shootout. The win was Colorado’s ninth in their last 12 games away from Pepsi Center.
Did You Know?
Dishonorable Mention: P.K. Subban was ejected in the final minute of the game after arguing with officials after the puck hit a linesman, leading to Buffalo’s sixth goal:
Marian Gaborik left the game after injuring his knee during a collision with Dominic Moore:
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