Antero Nittymaki makes one of 47 saves in Tampa Bay's 5-3 win on Thursday night. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)CBCSports.ca senior hockey writer Tim Wharnsby picks Thursday's top NHL performers:
FIRST STAR: Antero Niittymaki, G, Tampa Bay
The Lightning netminder made 47 saves to give Tampa Bay its second win in a row and the 500th in franchise history, a 5-3 decision in Boston against the Bruins. Niittymaki was especially good in the third period when he stopped 19 shots to stem the Bruins comeback attempt.
SECOND STAR: Brian Gionta, RW, Montreal
The Canadiens sniper reached the 25-goal mark for the third time in his career with a two-goal effort in Montreal's 4-1 win at home against the Florida Panthers. Gionta has scored four times in the past four games.
THIRD STAR: Evgeni Nabokov, G, San Jose
The Russian goaltender hasn't been solid since his dismal performance for Russia at the Vancouver Olympics. But he turned in an 27-save shutout performance in Sharks 3-0 win at home against the Dallas Stars.
