NHL 3 Stars: Ovechkin scores thrice versus Panthers; Lundqvist stops 48

Unsurprisingly, Ovechkin scored here. Great photo by Eliot J. Schechter.

No. 1 Star: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin was in on all four Capitals goals in their 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers, picking up his second hat trick of the season, as well as an assist.

Ovechkin's third goal was also his 23rd of the year, putting him just two behind Steven Stamkos for the NHL goal-scoring lead. In other words, he's still good.

No. 2 Star: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Lundqvist was nigh unbeatable in the Rangers' 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, stopping 48 of 49 shots. “That’s the best I’ve seen him play since I’ve been here," said John Tortorella after the game. Rick Nash had a goal and an assist for the Rangers as well.

No. 3 Star: Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

The elder Sedin had a goal and two assists in the Canucks' 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Daniel and Henrik were excellent in this one, combining for six points.

Honourable mention: Bryan Bickell scored the game's lone goal as the Chicago Blackhawks edged the Nashville Predators, 1-0. Ray Emery picked up the shutout... Michael Ryder and Alex Galchenyuk scored as the Montreal Canadiens topped the Boston Bruins, 2-1... Jeff Carter had a goal and an assist in the Los Angeles Kings' 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers... Tyler Bozak scored the game-winner as the New Jersey Devils fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2-1... Mike Smith made 24 saves for the shutout as the Phoenix Coyotes won an easy one versus the Colorado Avalanche, 4-0. But Smith's best moment was when he grabbed Cody McLeod's stick and tried to break it over the crossbar:

... Matt Martin scored the game-winning goal and contributed a game-high 8 hits as the New York Islanders doubled up on the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-2... Evander Kane had a goal and an assist, leading the Winnipeg Jets to a four-goal second period in their 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Dishonourable mention: Erik Gudbranson may face supplemental discipline after boarding and injuring Martin Erat... The Flyers absolutely collapsed in the second versus Winnipeg...