Advertisement

Monday’s Three Stars: Fleury saves Penguins; Little’s assist trio; Selanne catches Kurri

No. 1 Star: Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

Fleury had a misstep on Ray Whitney's goal, but was otherwise solid for the Penguins in their 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Fleury made 36 saves for the victory, which puts him one win behind Pekka Rinne for the NHL lead. Said Dan Bylsma: "He was our best player. He needed to be."

No. 2 Star: Bryan Little, Winnipeg Jets

The Jets scored three goals against the Buffalo Sabres, and Little had the primary assist on all three. He hooked up with Andrew Ladd in the first period, and then helped spring both Blake Wheeler and Chris Thorburn for third-period breakaway goals. It was his first three-point game since Dec. 26, 2008. The Jets won, 3-1.

No. 3 Star: Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks

Hiller made 34 saves including 21 in the second period, as the Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 4-2. Bobby Ryan had the game-winner on a third period breakaway on Nikolai Khabibulin (26 saves), and Corey Perry scored the final two goals to give him 201 for his career.

Honorable mention: Zbynek Michalek, against his old team, and Chris Kunitz had the goals for Pittsburgh. … Jordan Eberle and Shawn Horcoff had the Oilers goals. … Corey Tropp scored for Buffalo. … Teemu Selanne is now tied with countryman Jari Kurri for 19th all-time in points with 1,398, assisting on Bobby Ryan's goal. Said Selanne: "It's an honor. I never imagined I'd have as much points."

Did you know? The Penguins are 12-2-3 against Western Conference opponents. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Jordan Staal was .375 on 22 faceoffs. … Derek Roy was .250 on 19 faceoffs, along with a minus-2 and two PIMs. … Ryan Whitney was a minus-3 and had two bad giveaways against the Ducks. … Finally, Matt Cooke was given a minor in an altercation with Coyotes goalie Mike Smith. Said Cooke to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "(Ref) told me that he had to give Smith something. He didn't want to put them down five-on-three, so he gave me a penalty. I've never had that explanation before." Yikes …