Hockey Night's 3 Stars

CBCSports.ca senior hockey writer Tim Wharnsby picks Thursday's top NHL performers:

FIRST STAR: Jason Pominville, RW, Buffalo

Pominville reached and surpassed the 20-goal mark for the fourth consecutive season in the Sabres' 6-2 road win in Tampa Bay. He has five goals and nine points in his past five outings.

SECOND STAR: Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver

Kesler continued his stellar play since the Olympics with a goal and an assist in the Canucks' 3-2 win at home against San Jose. Since the United States Olympian scored in the gold-medal final, he has checked in with five goals and 12 points in 10 games with Vancouver.

THIRD STAR: Phil Kessel, RW, Toronto

The Maple Leafs sniper fired in his 27th goal and another in the shootout in Toronto's 2-1 win against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. After missing 12 games to open the season because of shoulder surgery, he has moved into the Top 20 in the league in goals scored.