NHL Three Stars for February

NEW YORK (March 1, 2013) – Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of February.

FIRST STAR – STEVEN STAMKOS, C, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Stamkos posted 10-10—20 in 14 February games, tying for first in the League in goals (with Winnipeg’s Andrew Ladd) and ranking third in points. He scored goals in six straight contests from Feb. 16-26 (seven total), the longest such streak in the NHL this season. Stamkos also had six multi-point outings and recorded at least one point in 11 of 14 games. He ended the month on an eight-game point streak (7-7—14), propelling him to first in the League in goals (14) and points (31). Currently in his fifth NHL season, all with the Lightning, the two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner has 193-167—360 in 345 career games.

SECOND STAR – SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby led the NHL with 18 assists and 24 points in 14 games. He recorded six three-point performances during the month and registered at least one point in 11 of 14 contests. Crosby finished February with points in three straight games (2-4—6), his fourth stretch this season with points in at least three consecutive contests. Through 21 games, he leads the NHL with 22 assists and is on pace to become the first player to average at least one helper per game since Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin in 2009-10. The 25-year-old Cole Harbour, N.S., native has played in 455 career NHL games, all with the Penguins, totaling 232-408—640 (1.41 points per game).

THIRD STAR – RAY EMERY, G, CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Emery posted a 7-0-0 record, 1.66 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in eight games as the Blackhawks continued their record-setting start to the season. He allowed two goals or fewer in seven of his eight appearances and secured shootout victories over the Calgary Flames Feb. 2 and Vancouver Canucks Feb. 19. Emery has played in nine games overall this season, ranking in the top 10 in the League in wins (eight), goals-against average (1.92) and save percentage (.931). In 216 career NHL appearances, the Hamilton, Ont., native has a 117-62-19 record with a 2.66 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and 11 shutouts. 

 

(NHLmedia.com)