The fourth weekend in the NHL had some great games and fantastic performances. The games were full of drama and intensity as the playoff picture slowly comes together. There were two games on Saturday that required an overtime period and/or shootout, and all seven games Sunday were decided by one goal.

At the individual level, players that we expect to see near the top of the statistical categories have started to put themselves at the front of the pack. Thomas Vanek still sits at the top of the table, but I’ll bet you Paul Bissonnette’s next game check that Vanek gets some type of injury in the next week or two.

I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but Vanek has a history of giving false pretenses in the fantasy world. Here’s a glance at the top performers from the weekend.

3. Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning were dead and just about buried against the Florida Panthers. A high-scoring matchup replaced what anyone would have guessed to be an otherwise sleepy Saturday matinee game. The Lightning were down 5-3 midway through the final stanza when the Tampa sniper put a laser past Jose Theodore to cut the lead to one. With the clock ticking towards zero, Stamkos put a no-look pass on the tape of Teddy Purcell in the slot. Purcell wristed a shot past Theodore with 10 seconds left to tie the game. The Lightning would win it in overtime, snapping a six game slide.

2. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are starting to hit their stride behind their captain and his efforts. The Penguins took advantage of a New Jersey loss on Saturday to take over the points lead in the eastern conference. Crosby led the way with a goal and two assists, providing the set up for Pascal Dupuis’ winner with less than three minutes in the game.

1. John Tavares, C, New York Islanders

I’ve long been singing the praises of the New York Islanders elite center. He is a top-tier talent, worthy of discussion with the Crosbys, Malkins and Stamkos’ of the NHL. On Saturday, Tavares had a memorable game notching his fourth career hat trick and adding an assist to lead the Isles past the eastern conference leading New Jersey Devils. If the Islanders can add just a little bit more talent to support their franchise player Tavares, they can be a legitimate playoff contender.