No. 1 Star: Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

During a first period that saw the Flyers take a 3-1 lead over the Vancouver Canucks, Giroux netted a goal for the third straight game and added two assists. The Canucks fought back, but an Andrej Meszaros tally 4:40 into the third period was the difference in the 5-4 Philadelphia victory. Giroux earned his third goal of the year thanks to a fortunate home bounce:



No. 2 Star: Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche

Behind Varlamov's 31 saves and two more in the shootout, the Avs came back against the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 3-2 win in the shootout. Gabriel Landeskog scored his first NHL goal with 40.4 seconds in regulation and Matt Duchene potted the shootout clincher to sink Columbus to an 0-3-1 start.



No. 3 Star: Brandon Sutter, Carolina Hurricanes

Not only did Sutter win 15 of his 21 draws,*his stick check on Jordan Caron forced the puck to Jiri Tlusty, who put the eventual game-winner away during a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.

Honorable mention: Chris Pronger scored his first goal for the Flyers since Dec. 9, 2010 ... The Flyers won their third straight home opener ... Bryan Allen was credited with seven blocked shots for Carolina ... Tyler Seguin: Snipe show:



Did you know? "Through 4 games, the #CBJ*top line of Nash, Carter & Prospal have combined for 4-8-12. The rest of the TEAM is 4-5-9". s/t*@Rob10TVSports



Dishonorable mention: The Blue Jackets failed on all four of their power plays dropping them to 0-for-20 on the season ... Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left the game in the third period after falling into the boards and hitting his head. He did not return and no update was given after the game.

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