Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin, Kings goaltender Martin Jones and Predators goaltender Carter Hutton have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Dec. 15.
FIRST STAR – ALEX OVECHKIN, CAPITALS
Ovechkin led the NHL with five goals and tied for third with six points as the Capitals earned five out of a possible six points to maintain second place in the Metropolitan Division. He began the week by recording his third career four-goal game (and 13th career hat trick), including the tying marker with 32.4 seconds remaining in regulation, in a 6-5 win over the Lightning Dec. 10.
The 28-year-old Moscow native leads the NHL with 27 goals in 31 games this season and is tied for fifth with 37 points.
SECOND STAR – MARTIN JONES, KINGS
Jones posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average, .972 save percentage and one shutout to help the Kings (22-8-4, 48 points) move into second place in the Pacific Division and third in the League standings. He made 31 saves for his second consecutive shutout in a 6-0 victory over the Canadiens Dec. 10.
THIRD STAR – CARTER HUTTON, PREDATORS
Hutton compiled a 3-0-0 record with a 1.33 goals-against average and .960 save percentage to lead the Predators to their second three-game winning streak of the season (also Nov. 16-21). He allowed one goal in both a 4-1 triumph over the Rangers Dec. 10 (28 saves) and a 3-1 victory over the Stars Dec. 12 (33 saves).
Via Press Release