NHL Three Stars: Blackhawks, Jets, Leafs open NHL season with wins

No. 1 Star: Michael Frolik, Winnipeg Jets

On a night when his former team raised the Stanley Cup banner he helped them win, Frolik scored two goals to lead the Jets’ rally in their 5-4 win at the Edmonton Oilers. His seeing-eye shot in the second cut the Oilers’ lead to one goal; his hard-working goal in the third, on a nice assist from Eric Tangradi, proved to be the game-winner.

No. 2 Star: Mikhail Grabovski, Washington Capitals

Now this was a debut: The Capitals free-agent center had a hat trick, including two power-play goals, and an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks. Washington, however, would lose to the champs, 6-4, in a thrilling season opener.

No. 3 Star: James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs

With Jonathan Bernier watching from the bench, Reimer made 34 saves, including nine in the last period, as the Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 4-3.

Honorable mention: Brandon Saad had a goal and two assists for the Blackhawks; Patrick Kane, Johnny Oduya, Brent Seabrook and Brandon Bollig also scored, while Marian Hossa was awarded a goal for being tripped on a breakaway to an empty Capitals net. … Alex Ovechkin scored his first of the season and added an assist on the power play. … Washington converted 3-of-6 power plays. … Lars Eller had 2 goals and an assist for the Habs. … Tyler Bozak scored a shorthanded goal, and Mason Raymond had the game-winner for the Leafs. … Dustin Byfuglien had three assists, and Jacob Trouba had two points in playing a team-high 25:02 for the Jets. … Ales Hemsky had a goal and an assist for Edmonton.

Did You Know? Olympic triathlete Simon Whitfield, a friend of Oilers coach Dallas Eakins, attended the game and met Edmonton players prior to it.

Dishonorable mention: From Taylor Hall’s giveaways to Devan Dubnyk’s struggles in goal, the Oilers blew a lead and gave up four third-period goals in a loss at home. … Eric Fehr was a minus-3 for Washington. … Finally, George Parros took a nasty spill during a fight with Colton Orr, landed on his face, was knocked out and stretchered off this ice. He was sent to the hospital, but later tweeted a note of thanks to his fans.