No. 1 star: Michael Cammalleri, Calgary Flames
A career-first for Michael Cammalleri helped the Calgary Flames go into Vancouver and upend the Canucks, 4-3. Cammalleri scored Calgary's first three goals for the first hat trick of his 305-game career. The 26-year-old first-year Flame scored on the power play at 8:11 of the first period to tie the game at 1-1. He added his second, an even-strength tally, at 17:01 to again tie the game, 2-2. And No. 3 came at 78 seconds into the final period when he one-timed a shot from the left circle short-side to beat Canucks goalie Curtis Sanford for a 3-2 lead. Cammalleri was a plus-2 during his 17:22 of ice time, and won the only faceoff he took.
No. 2 star: Vesa Toskala, Toronto Maple Leafs
Yes, we're aware the Finnish netminder was on the losing side of a shootout against host Ottawa, 2-1. Toronto would never have earned a point without the great play of Vesa Toskala, who stopped 34 of 35 shots in the first 65 minutes before the fate was turned over to the skills competition.
No. 3 star: Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
The Flames' captain was very good in a supporting role, adding two assists to the Calgary offense. Iginla cranked off five shots and was a plus-2 with a takeaway while winning three of six draws during 19:19 of ice time during a road win.
Honorable mention: Doesn't the Canadian media, mostly those located in or near Toronto, deserve a cut of Brian Burke's fresh six-year deal with the Maple Leafs? They were banging the drum on this long before Burke's deal was done in Anaheim. Funny how we never heard the word "tampering" used during this soap opera. … It ended against Ottawa, but Toronto enjoyed a club-record 17-game stretch of outshooting its opponent. … Alex Auld made 25 saves in regulation and overtime, then was 2-for-2 in the shootout. … Calgary's Curtis Glencross scored the game-winner against Vancouver.
Dishonorable mention: The NHL schedule-maker made sure no American-based team was scheduled to play during Thursday's Thanksgiving celebration in the states. So why was Toronto and Vancouver forced to play on Oct. 13, the Canadian Thanksgiving? … Three minor penalties for Jason Spezza, who can't really help the Senators while feeling shame in the penalty box.
