Monday's Three Stars: Lundqvist pitches a shutout

No. 1 star, Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers:
The Rangers' top goalie hasn't shut out nearly as many opponents this season as last, but the one he earned Monday night was as big as any in his career. Lundqvist stopped 38 shots to enable New York to beat New Jersey, 3-0, and improve the Rangers' playoff chances. Lundqvist has three shutouts this season and 20 for his career – 10 came last year.

No. 2 star, Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks:
Nabokov came up huge with a patchwork lineup skating in front of him. He stopped 28 of 29 shots as the banged up Sharks improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven while taking a four-point lead on Detroit for the overall lead in the NHL.

No. 3 star, Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes:
Already with a goal earlier in the game, the Phoenix captain supplied the primary assist on Petr Prucha's first career overtime winner. Doan scored his team-leading 29th goal 1:47 into the second period to break a 2-2 tie.

Honorable mention: Joe Thornton had two assists and Jonathan Cheechoo scored the game-winning goal after returning from injury for San Jose, which won a 50th game for the second time in franchise history. … Brandon Dubinsky scored a goal, registered two hits and was a perfect 9-0 on draws for the Rangers. … Jarome Iginla scored his 32nd goal for Calgary.

Did you know?: The Rangers are 10-2-3 during the regular season and the playoffs versus the Devils when Sean Avery is in the New York lineup.

Dishonorable mention: The Devils are winless in their last five and have been held to two or fewer goals throughout the streak. … The Flames have lost eight of 12 to see their comfortable division lead shrink to one point over the Canucks. … The Stars are 4-12-2 since a season high-water mark of eight games over .500 on Feb. 19.

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