Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was named the NHL’s first star of the week on Monday, joined by Islanders forward Kyle Okposo (second star) and San Jose goalie Antti Niemi (third).
Bobrovsky earned first star honors thanks to a 2-0-1 record with a 1.58 GAA and .950 save percentage last week, as the Jackets collected five of a possible six points and moved into third in the Metropolitan Division. Bobrovsky was huge in both of Columbus’ victories, stopping 39 shots in a 4-1 victory over Detroit, then making 32 saves -- and more in the shootout -- in a 2-1 decision over Minnesota.
Okposo, the second star, led all skaters with seven points last week -- which included three multi-point games -- as the Isles won two of three contests. The American forward had a career-high three assists in a win over Vancouver, notched two more helpers in a 4-3 loss to San Jose and then scored a goal and an assist in a win over Buffalo on Saturday. Incredibly, Okposo -- who’d never scored more than 52 points in a season prior to this year -- now sits fourth in the NHL with 69 points through 68 games.
Third star went to Niemi, who held off a strong challenge for the No. 1 gig in San Jose -- from backup Alex Stalock -- to win all three games last week, posting a 1.67 GAA and .950 save percentage. Thanks to Niemi’s strong play, the Sharks have now won six straight and are keeping pace with Anaheim for tops in the Pacific Division.