Toronto Maple Leafs centre Mikhail Grabovski was named the National Hockey League’s first star of the week.
Grabovski had one goal and four assists in back-to-back wins for the Leafs during a shortened week prior to the NHL all-star break. Grabovski recorded one assist in a 3-0 win over the New York Islanders on Jan. 23, but his week was highlighted by a four-point game in a 4-3 overtime win over the Islanders on Jan. 24. Grabovski and the Leafs return to action Tuesday as they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was named the second star of the week, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.00 goals-against average and .961 save percentage. Rinne made 25 saves in a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 23 and stopped 24 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 24. The 29-year-old has won his last nine starts and has a record of 28-11-4 this season.
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson received third star honours after recording a pair of goals in back-to-back losses. Alfredsson spent the rest of the week fulfilling his duties as an all-star captain in front of the hometown fans in Ottawa. Alfredsson delighted the crowd by scoring twice during the 2012 NHL All-Star Game on Sunday. The Sens look to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit the Boston Bruins Tuesday.
