Colorado Avalanche defenseman Francois Beauchemin, front, is congratulated after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

No. 1 Star: Francois Beauchemin, Colorado Avalanche

Francois Beauchemin, offensive juggernaut. The defenseman provided all the offense that Semyon Varlamov (33 saves) would need in the Avs’ 2-1 win over the New York Islanders. Beauchemin’s third-period goal at 16:12, his fifth of the season, was the game-winner.

No. 2 Star: Chad Johnson, Buffalo Sabres

If the Anaheim Ducks’ offense wasn’t like bringing a pillow to a swordfight this might rank higher. But 44 saves are 44 saves, and Johnson blanked the Ducks, 3-0. Evander Kane scored his seventh.

No. 3 Star: Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks

Burns had the overtime game-winner and assisted on two other goals in the Sharks' 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joe Pavelski also had a goal and two assists.

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Quick made 45 saves, including 15 in the third period as the Kings managed only four shots, in his 3-0 shutout win over the Montreal Canadiens. Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik had the goals. ... The Florida Panthers had five different goal scorers in their 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Brandon Pirri had a goal and two assists. … Flyers goalie Steven Mason made 36 saves in shutting out the Vancouver Canucks, 2-0. That including 16 saves in the second period during which the Canucks had a 5-on-3 power play. … Mikko Koivu had two goals and an assist as the Minnesota Wild defeated the New York Rangers, 5-2. … Teuvo Teravainen had two goals and an assist and Corey Crawford made 33 saves as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 4-0. Marian Hossa had three assists. … First-period goals by Sean Monahan and Dougie Hamilton helped propel the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Karri Ramo made 35 saves. … Brandon Saad, Cam Atkinson and Alexander Wennberg all had a goal and two assists in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ wild 7-5 win over the Arizona Coyotes. Dave Clarkson scored his first of the season. … This Vladimir Tarasenko snipe, his 20th of the season, gave the St. Louis Blues the 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators:

Did You Know? The Canadiens have failed to score a power-play goal in their past seven games (0-for-21) and are 1-6-0.

Dishonorable Mention: Mike Cammalleri, Adam Henrique and Lee Stempniak were all minus-3. The Devils managed just 16 shots. … Patrik Nemeth was a minus-3. Anders Lindback was pulled after giving up four goals on 10 shots. Stefan Elliott was a minus-4. Shane Doan, Karl Dahlbeck and Kyle Chipchura were a minus-3. … Henrik Sedin was injured on a Michael Del Zotto hit. ... Antti Raanta left the Rangers’ game after 13:49 after taking a puck in the mask by a slap shot by Wild defenseman Marco Scandella:

Finally, Jared Boll and John Scott dropped’em.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

