Ehlers leads 3 Stars of the Week

NEW YORK -- Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Oct. 15.

FIRST STAR - NIKOLAJ EHLERS, LW, WINNIPEG JETS

Ehlers led the NHL with five goals (5-2-7), including a pair of winners, to propel the Jets (3-2-0, 6 points) to three straight victories. He recorded 3-1-4, including a natural hat trick and the decisive goal, in a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers Oct. 9. In doing so, Ehlers became the third player in Jets/Thrashers history to post a natural hat trick, joining Ilya Kovalchuk (Nov. 11, 2005 vs. TBL) and Marian Hossa (Jan. 15, 2008 at DET). Ehlers added one goal in a 4-2 triumph against the Vancouver Canucks Oct. 12 and collected 1-1-2, including the winning tally, in a 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Oct. 14. The 21-year-old Aalborg, Denmark, native has totaled 45-64-109 in 159 career NHL games, including a team-high 5-2-7 in five outings this season.

SECOND STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, C, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews recorded four goals (4-0-4), including two in overtime, to power the Maple Leafs (4-1-0, 8 points) to a pair of wins in three starts. He collected his second career overtime goal in a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks Oct. 9. Matthews also scored in a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils Oct. 11 before capping the week with two goals, including the overtime winner, in a 4-3 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens Oct. 14. The 20-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., native and reigning Calder Memorial Trophy winner has registered 45-32-77 in 87 career NHL games, including a club-high 5-3-8 in five contests this season. His 45 career goals are tied for second in the League since the start of the 2016-17 campaign, behind only Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby (47).

THIRD STAR - NICKLAS BACKSTROM, C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Backstrom paced the NHL with 3-6-9 in four games with the Capitals (3-2-1, 7 points). He posted 1-2-3, factoring on all three Washington goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning Oct. 9. Backstrom added one assist in a 3 2 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins Oct. 11 before recording 1-3-4, his 19th career four-point game, in a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils Oct. 13. He closed the week with one goal in an 8-2 loss to Philadelphia Flyers Oct. 14. The 29-year-old Gävle, Sweden, native has collected 191-548-739 in 740 career NHL games, including a League-high 3-8-11 in six outings this season. Backstrom's 548 career assists rank third in the NHL since his debut in 2007-08, while his 739 career points place fifth.

Johansson, MacArthur, Matthews named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog "The Neutral Zone" has named Marcus Johansson, Clarke MacArthur, and Auston Matthews as their 'Three Stars of the Night' for all NHL Playoff games taking place on April 23, 2017.

FIRST STAR - MARCUS JOHANSSON, F, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Johansson scored his second goal of the game at 6:31 of overtime to lead the Capitals to the Second Round. Johansson (62 GP) recorded his first career overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and his second game-winner.

SECOND STAR - CLARKE MacARTHUR, F, OTTAWA SENATORS

MacArthur scored at 6:30 of overtime to help the Senators advance past the opening round for the first time since 2013. The overtime goal was the first of his playoff career and his second postseason game-winner (also May 10, 2013 vs. BOS).

THIRD STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, F, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews is the first rookie to score in 4 straight playoff games since Logan Couture in May of 2011.

News & Notes: Auston Matthews of Maple Leafs sets rookie records

MATTHEWS SETS ROOKIE RECORDS AS MAPLE LEAFS CLIMB STANDINGS

Auston Matthews scored his 39th goal of the season to help the Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 and improve to 11-2-1 in their past 14 games, including four consecutive wins. At 39-24-15 (93 points), the Maple Leafs leapfrogged the Boston Bruins (43-30-6, 92 points) to move into sole possession of second place in the Atlantic Division.

* Matthews, with 67 points (39 goals, 28 assists) in 78 games, established a single-season Maple Leafs record for points by a rookie, eclipsing the mark set by Peter Ihnacak in 1982-83, when he had 66 points (28 goals, 38 assists) in 80 games. Matthews also established a single-season NHL record for goals by a United States-born rookie, breaking the mark of 38 set by Neal Broten in 1981-82.

* Matthews has goals in five consecutive games and has at least one point in nine straight (8-4-12). Matthews became the third Maple Leafs rookie to score in five or more consecutive team games, joining Alf Skinner from Jan. 28 - Feb. 13, 1918 (6 GP) and Gaye Stewart from Nov. 12-21, 1942 (5 GP), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

MONDAY'S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps

Toronto 4, BUFFALO 2
DETROIT 5, Ottawa 4 (SO)
Montreal 4, FLORIDA 1

CANADIENS CLINCH FIRST PLACE IN ATLANTIC DIVISION
Artturi Lehkonen (2-1-3) tied NHL single-game career highs for goals and points to help the Montreal Canadiens (46-24-9, 101 points) clinch first place in the Atlantic Division, their third division title in the past five seasons.

* Montreal has won five consecutive games while outscoring opponents 19-6 during the streak and eclipsed the 100-point mark for the third time in the last four seasons.

* Charlie Lindgren made 31 saves in his first game of the season and second of his NHL career. Lindgren is 2-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .950 save percentage in his NHL career.

* Max Pacioretty had an assist to extend his point streak to five games (2-5-7).

DID YOU KNOW?

William Nylander (22-38-60) and Mitchell Marner (18-42-60) each had assists to become the second and third Maple Leafs rookies to reach the 60-point mark this season, joining Matthews. Elias notes that the 1980-81 Quebec Nordiques are the only other NHL team with three rookies with at least 60 points (Peter Stastny: 39-70-109, Anton Stastny: 39-46-85, Dale Hunter: 19-44-63).

LOOSE PUCKS
Evgeny Svechnikov scored the decisive goal in the shootout while making his NHL debut to guide the Detroit Red Wings to victory. … The Maple Leafs scored three times in a span of 43 seconds early in the first period. … Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Marchessault scored his 30th goal of the season in his 72nd game. Prior to 2016-17, Marchessault had eight goals in his first 49 NHL games. … Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson (1-1-2) reached the 70-point mark for the fourth time in his NHL career (16-54-70). … Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, Buffalo Sabres forward Alexander Nylander and Senators forward Colin White made their NHL debuts. … The NHL announced it will not participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. … New Jersey Devils defenseman Dalton Prout was suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for interference against Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas. … Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin, Washington Capitals left wing Marcus Johansson and Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot were named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending April 2. … Renowned Canadian artist Tony Harris released portraits of Pat LaFontaine and Marcel Dionne as part of the NHL Centennial Celebration.

SNEAK PEEK AT TUESDAY'S ACTION

All Times Eastern

Tampa Bay @ Boston, 7 p.m., SN, TVA Sports, NBCSN, NESN, NHL.TV
Philadelphia @ New Jersey, 7 p.m., MSG+, CSN-PH, NHL.TV
Columbus @ Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., ROOT, FS-O, NHL.TV
Washington @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m., TSN4, CSN-DC, NHL.TV
Detroit @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., TSN5, RDS, FS-D, NHL.TV
Winnipeg @ St. Louis, 8 p.m., FS-MW+, TSN3, NHL.TV
NY Islanders @ Nashville, 8 p.m., FS-TN, MSG+ 2, NHL.TV
Carolina @ Minnesota, 8 p.m., FS-N, FS-CR, NHL.TV
Arizona @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m., FS-SW+, FS-A PLUS, NHL.TV
Chicago @ Colorado, 9 p.m., ALT, WGN, NHL.TV
Calgary @ Anaheim, 10 p.m., SN1, PRIME, NHL.TV
Edmonton @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN, SNW, NHL.TV
Vancouver @ San Jose, 10:30 p.m., NBCS CA+, SNP, NHL.TV

LIGHTNING-BRUINS, OILERS-KINGS FEATURED ON NBCSN DOUBLEHEADER

The 13-game slate Tuesday features two games on NBCSN as part of the network's "Push For The Playoffs" coverage throughout the final week of the season:

* In the first game, the Bruins (43-30-6, 92 points) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (39-29-10, 88 points) at TD Garden. The Bruins have the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference and have wins in their past five games, while the Lightning, who have points in their past six games (5-0-1), look to gain ground on the Bruins for the final playoff spot in the East.

* In the second game, the Edmonton Oilers (44-25-9, 97 points) play the Los Angeles Kings (37-34-7, 81 points) at Staples Center. The Oilers, led by NHL points leader Connor McDavid (29-65-94 in 78 GP), are second in the Pacific Division and have won five straight games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE CLUBS LOOK TO SECURE VALUABLE WINS

Four other Eastern Conference teams in the hunt for postseason berths are in action Tuesday:

* The Maple Leafs (39-24-15, 93 points) host the League-leading Capitals (52-18-8, 112 points) at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs have won four consecutive games and are second in the Atlantic Division.

* The Senators (41-27-10, 92 points) conclude their back-to-back, home-and-home set with the Red Wings (32-35-12, 76 points) at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The Senators are third in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Maple Leafs.

* The New York Islanders (37-29-12, 86 points) play the Nashville Predators (40-28-11, 91 points) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The Islanders are six points behind the Bruins for the second wild card from the East.

* The Carolina Hurricanes (35-29-14, 84 points) play the Minnesota Wild (46-25-8, 100 points) at Xcel Energy Center. The Hurricanes are eight points behind the Bruins for the second wild card from the East.

DUCKS AIM FOR 25TH CONSECUTIVE HOME VICTORY AGAINST FLAMES

The Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks (43-23-13, 99 points) aim to extend their point streak to 12 games (8-0-3) and eclipse the 100-point mark for the fourth straight season when they host the Calgary Flames (44-31-4, 92 points) at Honda Center in Anaheim. The Ducks have won 24 consecutive regular-season home games against the Flames, dating to April 4, 2004 (CGY: 0-19-5), the longest such run against one opponent in NHL history.

- NHL Public Relations

Matthews, Svechnikov, O'Reilly named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Auston Matthews, Evgeny Svechnikiv, and Ryan O'Reilly as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on April 3, 2017.

FIRST STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, F, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Matthews scored his 39th goal of the season to extend his point streak to nine games (8-4—12). Matthews (39-28—67) set a single-season Maple Leafs record for points by a rookie, eclipsing Peter Ihnacak in 1982-83 (28-38—66). Plus, Matthews set a single-season NHL record for goals by a U.S.-born rookie, eclipsing Neal Broten in 1981-82 (38).

SECOND STAR - EVGENY SVECHNIKOV, F, DETROIT RED WINGS

Svechnikov scored the decisive goal in the shootout while making his NHL debut to guide the Red Wings to victory.

THIRD STAR - RYAN O'REILLY, F, BUFFALO SABRES

With his 20th tally of the season, O'Reilly has recorded back-to-back 20-goal campaigns for the first time in his career.

Skinner, Nash, Matthews named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash, and Auston Matthews as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 25, 2017.

FIRST STAR - JEFF SKINNER, F, CAROLINA HURRICANES

Skinner has scored in 5 straight games and hit the 30-goal mark for third time in his NHL career (2010-11, 2013-14).

SECOND STAR - RILEY NASH, F, BOSTON BRUINS

Nash recorded his first multi-goal game of the season to help the Bruins move into the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

THIRD STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, F, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews scored his 34th goal of 2016-17 to tie the Maple Leafs record for most in a season by a rookie (Wendel Clark in 1985-86).

Tavares, Lindholm, Matthews named our 'Three Stars of the Night

NEW YORK – UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named John Tavares, Hampus Lindholm, and Auston Matthews as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on March 22, 2017.

FIRST STAR - JOHN TAVARES, F, NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Tavares earned a point for the 8th time in 9 games as the Islanders (34-26-12, 80 points) moved within 2 points of a Wild Card spot.

SECOND STAR - HAMPUS LINDHOLM, F, ANAHEIM DUCKS

Lindholm (1-2—3) earned a career-high three points as the Ducks improved to 6-1-1 in their last eight contests.

THIRD STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, F, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews scored his 33rd goal of the season to move within one of Wendel Clark for most by a rookie in Maple Leafs franchise history.

McDavid, Matthews, Luongo named 'Three Stars'

NEW YORK - Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Oct. 16.

FIRST STAR - CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid tied for the League lead in points with 3-3-6 in three games as the Oilers (2-1-0, 4 points) opened the season with a pair of victories. In his first regular-season game as Oilers captain, McDavid helped open Rogers Place by notching two goals, including the game-winner, and adding one assist in a 7-4 victory over the Calgary Flames. He tallied 1-2-3 two nights later in a 5-3 win over the Flames in Calgary on Oct. 14. McDavid was held pointless in a 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 16. In his second season with the Oilers, the 19-year-old Newmarket, Ont., native has appeared in 48 career games posting 54 points (19-35-54).

SECOND STAR - AUSTON MATTHEWS, C, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Matthews tied for the League lead with four goals as the Maple Leafs gained three of a possible four points for the week. Matthews became the first player in the modern era to record four goals in his NHL debut, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 12. In his home debut, Matthews was held off the scoresheet as Toronto defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 on Oct. 15. The 19-year-old San Ramon, Calif., native was the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft after playing the 2015-16 season for Zurich in Switzerland's top professional league where he recorded 46 points
(24-22-46) in 36 games played.

THIRD STAR - ROBERTO LUONGO, G, FLORIDA PANTHERS

Luongo went 2-0-0 with a 0.98 goals-against average and .957 save percentage to lead the Panthers to a pair of season opening wins. Luongo opened the week on Oct. 13 by making 23 saves in a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. On Oct. 15, he made 21 saves against the Detroit Red Wings to record his 438th career win, good for sixth on the all-time wins list, one ahead of Jacques Plante (437). In his 17th NHL season, the 36-year-old Montreal, Que., native, who began his career with the Islanders (7 wins), is the franchise wins leader for both the Canucks (252) and Panthers (179).

Mathews 'speechless' after amazing debut

OTTAWA, ON -- Auston Matthews had possibly the best NHL debut in the league's history on Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators, scoring four goals in the first two periods.

"I'm just speechless, honestly," Matthews said. "As the periods kept going by you're kind of thinking to yourself you can't really believe this is going on, it's that surreal. There was some good and some bad and we learn from it and continue to move forward."

Matthews, 19, had four goals on six shots in 17:37 of ice time.

Ottawa won the game 5-4 in overtime.

GAME NOTES:

Frederik Andersen (#31) and Matt Martin (#15) made their Maple Leafs debuts in the game . . . Three Maple Leafs skated in their first NHL game in the event: Mitch Marner (#16), Auston Matthews (#34) and Nikita Zaitsev (#22) . . . Kyle Turris' fourth overtime winner as a member of the Senators in the win saw him move into a tie for 2nd (Daniel Alfredsson) in franchise history.

Early Draft Notebook: Matthews taken first; Habs, Blackhawks, Capitals trade with eachother

BUFFALO, NY -- As expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews first overall in the 201 NHL Draft on Friday.

Patrick Laine was picked second overall by the Winnipeg Jets, and Pierre-Luc Dubois went third overall by the Blue Jackets, going against the possibility of Jesse Puljijarvi going third overall.

But after Matthews was picked, two traded occured.

The Montreal Canadiens traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals for two second-round picks in 2017 and 2018, and Andrew Shaw goes to the Canadiens from the Blackhawks.