NHL Three Stars: Alfredsson’s OT buzzer-beater; Henrique spoils Parise night

No. 1 Star: Daniel Alfredsson, Detroit Red Wings

Alfredsson had a three-point night for the Red Wings, who managed an important 5-4 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The veteran forward picked up two helpers, then added the OT buzzer-beater, thanks to a fortunate bounce right at the buzzer:

No. 2 Star: Adam Henrique, New Jersey Devils

It was Zach Parise's big return, and fortunately for Devils fans, who booed Parise at every turn, Henrique stepped up to overshadow it. He had three assists in the Devils' 4-3 OT win over the Minnesota Wild, including the primary one on Andy Greene's overtime winner:

Although if you ask me, Patrik Elias's second assist was better. Frankly, his assist was proof of why second assists should continue to be a thing.

No. 3 Star: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Thornton was in on every goal the Sharks scored in the 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks that vaulted them into first place in the Pacific. He scored the game-tying marker himself midway through the third, then set up Brent Burns for the game-winner shortly thereafter.

Honorable mention: Wayne Simmonds' two goals were the difference in a 4-2 Philadelphia Flyers win over the Dallas Stars... Ryan Johansen scored the game-winner as the Columbus Blue Jackets edged the Montreal Canadiens, 3-2. But to my mind, the best goal of this game was the shorthanded marker the Jackets scored on this set face-off play:

Teddy Purcell scored twice as the Tampa Bay Lightning pushed their win streak to 5 with a 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators, who can't keep the puck out of their net... Cory Conacher scored twice and provided a little physical comedy as the Buffalo Sabres snapped their losing streak before it reached franchise record-length, 3-1 over the Edmonton Oilers... Radim Vrbata and Antoine Vermette scored the goals in a 2-1 Phoenix Coyotes triumph over the Florida Panthers... Marian Gaborik's shootout goal was the difference for the Los Angeles Kings, who beat the Washington Capitals 2-1...

Did You Know? The Senators surrendered five goals for the 16th time this season.

Dishonorable mention: Nate Prosser received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for elbowing Tim Sestito... David Legwand received a game misconduct for spearing Evgeni Malkin in the junk. Not cool, Legwand.