Corey Perry, Daniel Sedin and Pekka Rinne named Three Stars of March

Moments ago, we discussed the notion that Brad Marchand is still trying to find the right balance between being a pest who goads opponents off their game while avoiding being the kind of guy who hurts his own squad in the process. In a dream world for the Boston Bruins, Marchand would emulate Anaheim Ducks super-pest Corey Perry, who was named the No. 1 star for the month of March.

Along with Perry, the league honored Vancouver Canucks winger Daniel Sedin and underrated Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne in its three stars award. All three players have generated some serious buzz for a Hart Trophy nomination, so perhaps it makes sense that they’re taking over during what is probably the most important full month of the NHL regular season.

Here are summaries of each players’ months, with our comments plus tidbits from the league’s press release.

First star: Perry

For years, Perry has been a fantasy hockey gem because he produces nice point totals and hefty penalty minutes, but this has been an even greater breakthrough season for him offensively. He leads the NHL with 46 goals, is fourth in the league with 89 points and also tied Daniel Sedin and Alex Ovechkin for the most game-winning goals with an impressive 10. Here’s a snapshot of his month:

Perry led the NHL in goals (15) and tied for the lead in points (21) in 14 games, helping the Ducks (44-28-5) climb to seventh place in the Western Conference standings. He also posted a League-leading four game-winning goals and registered a +9 rating.

Second star: D. Sedin

Last season was a true star-making moment for Daniel’s twin Henrik Sedin, as the freakish Swedish center showed he could succeed in spurts without his brother and earned a Hart Trophy for his troubles. It’s unclear if Daniel will match that Hart-winning achievement, but he makes a compelling argument as the league leader in scoring (100 points) on what is by far the NHL’s best team. Here’s a glance at his fantastic month.

Sedin tied for the League lead in points with 21 (nine goals, 12 assists) in 15 games, helping the Canucks (52-17-9) clinch the Presidents’ Trophy as the team with the best record in the regular season. Sedin recorded points in 12 games and goals in nine, including three game-winning goals (Mar. 5 vs. Los Angeles, Mar. 12 vs. Calgary and Mar. 23 vs. Detroit).

Third star: Rinne

More and more, there’s a chicken vs. egg argument when a goalie puts up great numbers behind a fantastic defense. Sure, Tim Thomas is great, but would be put up those numbers in Edmonton?

Even if you wonder how much the Predators’ defense influences Rinne’s numbers, he’s still very impressive. In fact, it might be a two-horse race between Rinne and Thomas for the Vezina Trophy this season. Here’s what he did in March.

Rinne posted a 9-3-2 record with a 1.91 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and two shutouts, helping the Predators (42-26-10) finish the month in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff race. He allowed two goals or fewer in seven of 14 games, including a 29-save, 3-0 shutout victory over the Vancouver Canucks Mar. 3 and a 19-save 4-0 shutout over the Minnesota Wild Mar. 10.