NHL Three Stars Of Week

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Anders Lindback, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson and Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending April 13.

FIRST STAR – ANDERS LINDBACK, G, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Lindback posted a 3-0-0 record with a 0.67 goals-against average, .975 save percentage and one shutout to help the Lightning (46-27-9, 101 points) earn four consecutive victories and clinch home-ice advantage in their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. He stopped all 25 shots he faced in relief of Ben Bishop in a 3-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs April 8. Lindback then made 34 saves in a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers April 10. He capped the week by recording 18 saves, and denying all three attempts he faced in the shootout, to pick up his third career shutout and first since Dec. 13, 2010, in a 1-0 triumph over the Washington Capitals April 13. The 25-year-old native of Gävle, Sweden, appeared in 23 games this season, compiling an 8-12-2 record with a 2.90 goals-against average and .891 save percentage.

SECOND STAR – JOHN GIBSON, G, ANAHEIM DUCKS

Gibson went 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average, .954 save percentage and one shutout to help the Ducks (54-20-8, 116 points) post four consecutive victories and clinch the top seed in the Western Conference for the first time in franchise history. He made 18 saves in a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks April 7, becoming the first goaltender to record a shutout in his NHL debut since April 1, 2009 (Al Montoya). Gibson then stopped 36 shots in a 5-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks April 9, helping the Ducks clinch their second consecutive Pacific Division title and the third in franchise history. He closed the week with 29 saves, including 12 in the third period, in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Colorado Avalanche April 13. The 20-year-old native of Pittsburgh was selected by the Ducks in second round (39th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft and helped the team set franchise records for wins (54) and points (116) this season.

THIRD STAR – RYAN JOHANSEN, C, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Johansen tied for third in the NHL with six points (2-4—6), finding the scoresheet in four consecutive games to help the Blue Jackets (43-32-7, 93 points) clinch their second playoff berth in franchise history (2008-09). He registered 1-1—2, including the winning goal at 3:33 of overtime, in a 4-3 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes April 8. Johansen then posted an assist in each of the next two games: a 3-1 triumph over the Dallas Stars April 9 and a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning April 11. He closed the season with 1-1—2, including his fifth game-winning goal and 16th multi-point performance, in a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers April 12. The 21-year-old native of Vancouver played in all 82 games this season, leading the Blue Jackets and posting career highs in goals (33), assists (30) and points (63).