Penguins' Mike Rupp, who scored his first NHL hat trick on Monday, is the only player in league history whose first playoff goal was a Stanley Cup winner.Penguins' Mike Rupp, who scored his first NHL hat trick on Monday, is the only player in league history whose first playoff goal was a Stanley Cup winner. (Frank Franklin II/Associated Press)

CBCSports.ca senior reporter Tim Wharnsby names the top performers in the NHL from Monday night.

FIRST STAR: Mike Rupp, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

With Wayne Gretzky and his wife, Janet, in the stands at Madison Square Garden, Rupp scored his first career hat trick in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 win against the New York Rangers. Rupp, a native of Cleveland, scored the 2003 Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 7 for the New Jersey Devils against Anaheim. He's the only player in league history whose first playoff goal was the Stanley Cup winning goal.

SECOND STAR: R.J. Umberger, F, Columbus Blue Jackets

Umberger checked in with his second career three-goal game in the Blue Jackets' 5-2 win at home against St. Louis. The Columbus forward helped his team end a five-game losing streak.

THIRD STAR: Ryan Miller, G, Buffalo Sabres

Miller stopped 38 shots to lead his Sabres to a 3-0 victory in Toronto. His 15th career shutout and third of the season came against and in front of his United States Olympic coach, Ron Wilson, and general manager, Brian Burke.