This week we saw both players and goalies put on shows. In total, 9 players recorded hat tricks while goalies posted 6 shutouts. In general, teams succeeding coming into the week continued to find success, while teams off to rocky starts kept hitting more rocks.
First Star – Steven Stamkos (C, Tampa Bay)
Steven Stamkos is already in his midseason form. He notched four goals and five assists to total nine points on the week. He recorded his second career hat trick against the Thrashers this week. His nine goals and fifteen points on the season leads the league. Together with Martin St. Louis, Stamkos is putting on a show in Tampa.
Second Star – Rene Bourque (LW, Calgary)
Rene stepped up big this week for the Calgary Flames. He provided major offense putting six pucks past enemy goaltenders and even added an assist. Hats flew to the ice when Bourque scored three goals against Columbus. Many people counted the Flames out this season due to a rocky start but Rene is leading them on the right path.
Third Star – Mikka Kipprusoft (G, Calgary)
Mikka also stepped up big for the Flames this week. Even though he let up four ugly goals in a loss, Mikka was able to bounce back getting 3 more wins, two being shutouts. The Flames will also need Kipprusoft to be a force in net for them to succeed.
Team of the Week – New York Rangers
The Rangers started off with a 1-2 record and fell early this week to Colorado. But they were able to bounce back and get very decisive victories against Boston, Toronto, and New Jersey, all contenders this year. Even more impressive they were able to do it without their offensive stars Marian Gaborik and Chris Drury, out due to injury.
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