FIRST STAR -- ILYA BRYZGALOV, G, PHOENIX COYOTES
Bryzgalov stopped 70 of 73 shots in posting a 3-0-0 record with a 0.95 goals-against average, .959 save percentage and one shutout as the Coyotes improved to 5-2-0 and first place in the Pacific Division. Bryzgalov recorded 26 saves for his ninth career shutout in a 1-0 shootout victory over the San Jose Sharks Oct. 12, stopped 22 shots in a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues Oct. 15 and finished the week with 22 saves in a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins Oct. 17. Bryzgalov has won five of six starts this season, leading NHL goaltenders in goals-against average (1.14), save percentage (.953) and shutouts (two).
SECOND STAR -- CRAIG ANDERSON, G, COLORADO AVALANCHE
Anderson recorded four consecutive road victories with a 2.20 goals-against average and .928 save percentage as the Avalanche improved to 6-1-1 and first place in the Northwest Division. Anderson began the week with a sweep of Northeast Division opponents, recording 29 saves in a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins Oct. 12, turning aside 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Oct. 13 and making 29 saves in a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens Oct. 15. He finished the week by stopping 28 shots and two of three shootout attempts in a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Oct. 17. Anderson has started all eight games for the Avalanche this season, posting a 6-1-1 record with a 2.09 goals-against average, .935 save percentage and one shutout.
THIRD STAR -- ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin led all scorers for the week with six points (four goals, two assists) as the Capitals (4-2-2) gained five of six points and moved into first place in the Southeast Division. Ovechkin began the week by notching two assists in a 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 12. He recorded two goals in a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks Oct. 15 and tallied two more plus the shootout winner in a 3-2 win against the Nashville Predators Oct. 17. Ovechkin is the NHL leader in goals (nine), points (16) and shots (61) in eight games - all three on a pace significantly higher than his career average.