With all apologies to Raffi Torres, the fact that he earned a star of the week award during the 2010-11 season shows that you don’t necessarily need to be an all-star to go on a hot streak for three to four games. Putting together four great weeks, on the other hand, takes some talent.
Maybe that explains why the December trio ranks among the best players of their era. The NHL tabbed Sidney Crosby, Roberto Luongo and Nicklas Lidstrom as the three stars of the month. Let’s take a look at their months, with our own observations along with information from the league.
First star: Crosby
Even the biggest Crosby haters must admit that he’s been on an amazing tear during the last two months.
Second star: Luongo
The Canucks are currently the No. 1 in the NHL with 55 total points, despite the fact that they haven’t played in as many games as some of their peers. They’ve been especially hot lately, with a six game winning streak and a 9-0-1 in their last 10 games. Luongo is the top reason why things have been going so well.
Third star: Lidstrom
While Brett Favre shamed himself in his 40s under the gaze of the media, Lidstrom continues to defy logic by remaining one of the best defenseman in the league at such an advanced age. He’s been absolutely amazing this season, even if he decides not to make awful headlines.