http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361836

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier and Anaheim Ducks goaltender Dan Ellis have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the final week of the regular season.

Vanek was named the First Star after posting three consecutive three-point games, helping the Sabres clinch a playoff berth for the second year in a row.

He posted his first hat trick of the season and seventh of his career in a 4-2 decision over the Lightning on April 5, then notched two assists and the game- winning overtime goal in a 4-3 victory against Philadelphia this past Friday.

The Austrian native completed his sixth NHL season with team-highs of 32 goals, 41 assists and 73 points in 80 games.

Lecavalier took home the Second Star by finishing the week with four goals and one assist in three contests. His two goals helped the Bolts take a 4-2 decision over Florida on Friday, then he added a goal and one assist in Tampa's 6-2 victory at Carolina on Saturday.

A native of suburban Montreal, the 30-year-old ended his 12th pro campaign with 25 goals and 54 points in 65 games.

Ellis gained the Third Star by going 2-0-0 with a 1.21 goals-against average in three games to help Anaheim secure a playoff berth. The Ontario native stopped 83-of-85 shots last week, improving to 8-3-1 in 13 games with the Ducks after being acquired from Tampa Bay in late February.




On a side not, I love that beast of a picture they used for the story

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"Let's just trap Sekera in the caverns underneath HSBC arena." -BlueandYellow

Reporter: "Steve, you guys now lead the league in defensive scoring."
Montador: "It's probably because of how good-looking we are."

Lolz. The lady in the 2nd row has a priceless face in this picture.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

Good for him, glad to see he's getting recognition by the NHL!

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

They give these awards out to lazy forwards who don't score enough and can't play defense?

Cool.

You forgot to mention not back checking and too involved with making babies.

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If it's a tight squeeze, spit on it! - NyI

He's a middling AHL player who had the good fortune of a drunk arbitrator. - The Squanto re: Tim Kennedy

Anyone think Vanek should get 1st star for the Sabres as a whole?

Honestly without him picking up and playing like he has in the 2nd half of the season we wouldn't be where we are right now... A lot of people will say Miller's the "BIG REASON" but whoever thinks that IMO is wrong... What do you gals/guys think?

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"If you want to know what I've been doing lately, I've been driving around from Tim Horton's to Tim Horton's, rolling up the rim. Haven't won anything yet. Thanks." - Lindy Ruff

lolz wth that is the pic of the year!

Vanek was captured in full "That's efffing RIGHT baby!" mode and that lady just looks moved too tears because shes so happy

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger