Hockey Night's 3 Stars

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

FIRST STAR: Tuomo Ruutu, F, Carolina

Not much has gone right for Ruutu and the last-place Hurricanes this season. But Ruutu scored his first career hat trick in his 354th NHL game to help Carolina get by Dallas at home for a 5-3 win.

SECOND STAR: Patrick Kane, F, Chicago

The Blackhawks' exciting forward set up Troy Brouwer, Brian Campbell and Marian Hossa in Chicago's 3-0 win at home against St. Louis. The third-year Kane is on pace for his best season yet with 10 goals and 33 points in 32 games.

THIRD STAR: Brian Elliott, G, Ottawa

No Jason Spezza? No problem. In the Senators' first game without Spezza, out at least six weeks with a right knee injury, Elliott blanked Buffalo 2-0 with a 22-save effort for his second shutout in four games. It was the goalie's 13th consecutive start since Pascal Leclaire suffered a broken cheekbone while on the bench in a game last month.