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NHL Three Stars: Talbot denies Ducks; Tarasenko's big night

Sean Leahy
·Contributing writer
Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot blocks a shot during the first period in Game 1 of the team’s second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, April 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot blocks a shot during the first period in Game 1 of the team’s second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, April 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

No. 1 Star: Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers took a 2-0 series lead on the Anaheim Ducks thanks to Talbot’s 39 saves during a 2-1 victory Friday night. The Ducks hit double digits in shots for all three periods, including 16 in the final period, but the Edmonton netminder stood tall to help them head home halfway to the Western Conference Final.

No. 2 Star: Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

The Russian sniper potted two goals, including the game winner late in the third period to help the Blues to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. The series is now tied 1-1. Tarasenko now has 22 goals in 40 career playoff games and is third on the franchise’s all-time playoff goals list behind Bernie Federko (35) and Brett Hull (67).

No. 3 Star: Patrick Maroon, Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton had four power play opportunities in Game 2 and Maroon was fortunate to get the only goal out of those chances – a goal that stood as the game winner.

Honorable Mention: Jake Allen stopped 22 of 24 shots faced, including 14 in the third period … Anaheim won 44 of 69 face-offs.

Did You Know?

Dishonorable Mention: Not a smart move here by Vernon Fiddler getting ejected in the first period for kneeing Colton Parayko … The loss was Nashville’s first of the playoffs … Ducks goaltender John Gibson has now lost his last five starts against the Oilers.

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