NHL Three Stars: Howard blanks Flyers; Oilers close out Rexall
No. 1 Star: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit netminder recorded his 22nd career shutout and third win in a row during a huge 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Darren Helm and Andreas Athanasiou scored in the opening two periods and Kyle Quincey sealed things with an empty-netter late to help the Red Wings keep their playoff hopes alive.
No. 2 Star: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid posted a three-point night during the final game at Edmonton’s Rexall Place as the Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-2. Patrick Maroon added a pair of goals, Taylor Hall chipped in three points and Cam Talbot stopped 25 shots.
No. 3 Star: Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus Blue Jackets
Dubinsky scored twice and Matt Calvert added three points as the Blue Jackets routed the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1.
Honorable Mention: Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves and set the Blue Jackets franchise record for wins by a goaltender with his 97th … Detroit’s win puts them two points up on the Boston Bruins for the third spot in the Atlantic Division and keeps the Flyers tied with Boston for the East’s final Wild Card … Wayne Gretzky brought the house down during the closing ceremonies at Rexall Place:
Pretty goal by Bo Horvat in the loss:
Did You Know?
Dishonorable Mention: Toronto’s loss coupled with Edmonton’s win means the Maple Leafs will finish either 29th or 30th overall … The Maple Leafs’ 14 wins at Air Canada Centre is their fewest since the 1988-89 season.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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