Monday's Three Stars: Emergency call-up powers Isles

No. 1 Star: Jesse Joensuu, New York Islanders

Joensuu is a 21-year-old native of Finland who was an emergency call-up for the Islanders while Bill Guerin is struck in trade limbo. He got the call eight hours before tonight's game -- his fourth in as many nights -- and made an impact in the Islanders' 4-2 win over the Avalanche, the lone game of the evening in the League. His first NHL goal, at 2:31 of the second period, came on a play he helped start with a little wedge pass in the slot. Jon Sim battled in front of Andrew Raycroft, and Joensuu smacked home a loose puck to spark a celebration.

No. 2 Star: Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche

Smyth played well for the Avs, scoring two goals and buzzing around with Marek Svatos and Paul Stastny throughout the game. So the only question is whether his extra effort was for his former fans on Long Island (who jeered him all night) or his new admirers among the League's scouts as the trade deadline nears.

No. 3 Star: Jon Sim, New York Islanders

Sim played 14:13 but it felt like he made an impact every second he was out there. The veteran winger had three assists, five shots and was a plus-four on the night for the Islanders. It was his highest point total in a game since February 2006.

Honorable Mention: Yann Danis made 19 saves and has now won three of his last four starts for the Islanders. ... The Islanders won the game despite an injury to winger Trent Hunter, whose absence with a leg injury forced the team to play a man down all night.

Did You Know? Defenseman Bruno Gervais' winning goal in the second period was his first in 161 games.

Dishonorable Mention: You know, Versus has a limited number of nights on which to broadcast NHL games. The thought that this game between postseason also-rans took up one of those nights is discouraging. ... Still no Billy Guerin trade?

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