Hockey Night's 3 Stars

CBCSports.ca senior hockey writer Tim Wharnsby names the top performers in the NHL from Tuesday night.

FIRST STAR: Martin Erat, Nashville

The Predators forward scored into an empty net for his second career hat trick in a 4-2 win at home against Vancouver. After just one goal in his first 17 games, Erat has scored eight times in his last 10 games.

SECOND STAR: Dan Sexton, Anaheim

In his third game, the rookie out of Bowling Green University, who has been asked to fill a void created by the left hand injury to Teemu Selanne, scored his first two NHL goals to help the Ducks overcome a three-goal deficit for a 4-3 win in overtime against Dallas.

THIRD STAR: Mike Richards, Philadelphia

With his leadership in question, Richards temporarily stopped the Flyers' slide with a two-goal, one-assist effort in his team's 6-2 win at home against the Islanders. It was the first win in three games for new coach Peter Laviolette.