NHL Three Stars: Nyquist tricks Caps, but loses; Montoya denies Habs

No. 1 Star: Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings

In a game where defense was nowhere to be found, Nyquist led all scorers with his first career hat trick and an assist, but the Red Wings fell short in overtime to the Washington Capitals 6-5. Nyquist scored in each period, two of which came on the power play. In a bid to replace Johan Franzen on Team Sweden, Nyquist now has eight goals in his last seven games.

No. 2 Star: Al Montoya, Winnipeg Jets

Michael Frolik's goal 1:02 into the third period was the deciding factor in Winnipeg's 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Behind Montoya's 30 saves, the Jets won for the eighth time in their last 10 games. Montoya has won seven of his last nine starts and has allowed two goals or less in six of them.

No. 3 Star: Joel Ward, Washington Capitals

Ward was one of Washington's offensive stars in their 6-5 win, netting a pair of goals and adding an assist. In overtime, it was Alex Ovechkin putting home his NHL-leading 39th goal of the season to seal the victory:

Honorable mention: Jason Chimera had a three point night, while Nick Backstrom, Connor Carrick and John Carlson each recorded two ... Eric Fehr was 10-for-12 in the face-off circle ... Henrik Zetterberg had three helpers in the loss ... Both teams enjoyed their power play chances with the Red Wings going 2-for-3 and the Capitals 3-for-6 ... Carey Price made 33 saves in the loss ... The Jets are now 8-2-0 since Paul Maurice was installed has head coach.

Did you know? "The last time the Habs lost both Super Bowl weekend games was in '99. The Broncos won the Superbowl that year." (Robyn Flynn - TSN 690)

Dishonorable mention: Brendan Smith was called for tripping in overtime, giving the Capitals the power play that Ovechkin would eventually score on ... Carey Price might get an assist on Frolik's winner: