After every hockey game, whether it be the NHL or the OHL, the top three players from either team are announced as one of the three stars of the game. In our latest column at The Puck Authority, we will be announcing our own three stars of the game system. Not for an individual game, but for the entire night as a whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Victor Mete
It has been a long time in the making (127 games to be exact), but Victor Mete finally scored his first National Hockey League goal. Mete is the longest active player yet to score a goal in the NHL, but that is a thing of the past now. Mete’s goal was not the only reason why he is our third star of the night.
Mete had a great night overall. He had multiple scoring chances, one of which almost resulted in his second career goal.
⭐️⭐ – Casey Mittelstadt
In a 3-0 win over the L.A. Kings, Casey Mittelstadt was the driving force behind each goal. He had his first of the season to open the scoring in the third period and recorded the primary assist on the Sabres’ second goal which was scored by Conor Sheary. For his second goal of the season and the Sabres third of the game, Mittelstadt scored on the power play by tapping the puck in after a shot from Rasmus Ristolainen.
What makes his performance even more impressive was the fact that Mittelstadt only saw 12:19 minutes of ice time. It was Mittelstadt’s first career three point game.
⭐️ – Carter Hutton
Although Casey Mittelstadt had three points to lift the Buffalo Sabres past the L.A. Kings, Carter Hutton won Buffalo the game. Hutton stopped all 47 shots he was faced, including 19 shots in the third period alone to earn his second shutout in as many games. Hutton’s superb performance set a new franchise record for the Buffalo Sabres for saves in a regular-season shutout.
The Sabres have not lost a game with Hutton between the pipes and he proved exactly why with an astonishing performance that required him to make some tough stops. Hutton’s performance is a big reason why the Sabres now sit atop the NHL standings.
Honourable Mentions
Anders Nilsson – 52 SV, 54 SA, 2 GA, .964 SV%
David Pasternak – 2G, 1A, 3P
Matthew Barzal – 2G, GWG