Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Anders Lindback, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, and Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending April 13.
Lindback, first star, posted a 3-0-0 record with 0.67 goals-against average, .975 save percentage, and one shutout to help the Tampa Bay Lightning earn four consecutive victories and clinch home ice advantage in their first round playoff series with the Montreal Canadiens. Lindback stopped al 25 shots he faced in relief of Ben Bishop in a 3-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs April 8. He then made 34 saves in a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers April 10. He capped the week by recording 18 saves, and denying all three attempts he faced in the shootout, to pick up his third career shutout and first since December 31, 2010 in a triumph over the Washington Capitals on April 13. Lindback appeared in 23 games compiling an 8-12-2 record with 2.90 goals against average and .91 save percentage.
Gibson, second star, went 3-0 with 1.33 goals against average, .954 save percentage and one shutout to help the Anaheim Ducks post four consecutive victories and clinch the top seed in the Western Conference for the first time in franchise history. Gibson made 18 saves in a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks on April 7, earning his first victory and shutout in his NHL debut. He became the youngest goalie since Darren Puppa to record a shutout in his first NHL game. Gibson then stopped 36 shots in a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks April 9, helping the Ducks clinch their second consecutive Pacific Division title and the third in franchise history. He closed the week with 29 saves in a 3-2 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche on April 13. The native of Pittsburgh helped guide Team USA in 2013 to gold at the World Juniors and bronze at the World Championships.
Johnansen, was tied for third in the NHL with six points (two goals and four assists), finding the scoresheet in four consecutive games to help the Blue Jackets clinch their second playoff berth in franchise history. He registered a goal and an assist including the game winning goal of overtime in a 4-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on April 8. Johansen then posted an assist in each of the next two games: a 3-1 win over Dallas on April 9 and a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He closed the regular season with a goal and assist including his fifth game winning goal and 16th multi point game in a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on April 12. He played in all 82 games of the season leading the Blue Jackets in points in 63 with 33 goals (a career high) and 30 assists.
Whats Your Verdict?
