Sunday's three stars: Zubrus proves existence of NJ offense

No. 1 star: Dainius Zubrus, New Jersey Devils

The Devils have found a handy way to overcome the loss of Martin Brodeur: Become the '87 Oilers. At least for a few games. New Jersey has scored 20 goals during its four-game winning streak, including last night's 7-3 rout of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dainius Zubrus tied a franchise record with four goals, including two in the third period to ice the game. Playing with Brian Gionta and Patrik Elias, Zubrus could have probably scored six on what was a dominating night for the Devils.

No. 2 star: Dan Ellis, Nashville Predators

Ellis made 24 saves, many of them quite good, in the Predators' 5-2 victory at the Carolina Hurricanes. Ellis robbed the Canes on a 2-on-1 in the first and later stoned Tuomo Ruutu on a great chance.

No. 3 star: Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

Weber scored two goals, including one in the third period that put a damper on a Hurricanes' rally, to help Nashville snap a two-game losing streak. Weber added an assist and was a plus-3 in 21:13 of ice time.

Honorable Mention: Jason Arnott had two goals, including one on a nifty pass from J.P. Dumont, to give him 10 on the season. ... Elias had three assists, and Zach Parise scored his 13th goal for the Devils. ... It was a pretty lousy night for the Lightning, but Radim Vrbata and Ryan Malone -- on a penalty shot against Scott Clemmensen -- both scored rare goals this season.

Dishonorable Mention: Then again, Malone was also a minus-4 on a night when the Lightning were embarrassed on home ice, giving up 45 shots. ... Carolina was 0-for-8 on the power play, squandering a chance to move into first place in the Southeast. ... Finally, not saying that the Lightning are having trouble drawing ... but two tickets for purchasing the new third jersey? Seriously?

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