No. 1 star: Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Anaheim Ducks
Someone had to step up in order for the Anaheim Ducks to snap out of their early-season funk, and goalie J.S. Giguere did exactly that Friday night. Despite getting dominated in shots and chances early on, Giguere turned away everything until two third-period goals put this one out of reach as the Ducks broke into the win column for the first time while handing the Pacific Division-rival San Jose Sharks their first loss in five games. Giguere stopped 38 shots in all, including 32 in the opening 40 minutes when the visitors were lurking down by only two goals. Giguere spearheaded a perfect 7-for-7 night on the penalty kill as Anaheim finally got their special teams' game in line. The 4.38 goals-against average and .851 save percentage Giguere brought into the game were distant memories after he collected the 30th shutout of his career.
No. 2 star: Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators
Inspired by the quick return from injury by captain and linemate Daniel Alfredsson, Spezza benefited most by scoring two goals and four points on a night he, Dany Heatley and Alfredsson combined for seven points. Spezza scored at even-strength at 15:10 of the first period and assisted on the next two Senators' goals for a 4-0 lead. But after visiting Phoenix had drawn within two goals late, Spezza capped the evening's scoring with a power-play goal at 18:17 for a 6-3 victory over the Coyotes. Spezza was a plus-3 with three shots on goal and two hits, and he won 10 of 19 faceoffs during 17:37 of ice time.
No. 3 star: Vesa Toskala, Toronto Maple Leafs
The hard-luck goalie did all he could to keep his team in the game against the fast-starting Rangers, but 65 minutes of shutout hockey only earned him an opportunity in the shootout for a victory. Toskala surrendered two goals there after stopping all 32 during regulation and overtime to absorb a tough 1-0 loss. Toskala was key in Toronto killing off all eight New York power plays.
Sports
Honorable mention: Michal Handzus scored his first two goals of the season, the second one coming in overtime to give Los Angeles its second straight win. … San Jose's Patrick Marleau appeared in his 800th career game Friday, making the 29-year-old the second youngest in league history to reach the milestone. … Columbus rookies Nikita Filatov and Jake Voracek scored eight seconds apart late in the first period to set a Blue Jackets' franchise mark in the team's home-opening victory.
Dishonorable mention: The Calgary Flames led their Alberta rival Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the second period, then took five straight minor penalties. The Oilers converted three into goals and went on to win by a goal. … The Toronto Maple Leafs have followed their surprising win in Detroit on the night the Red Wings opened the season and raised the Stanley Cup banner by going 0-1-2.
