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Evgeny Kuznetsov named NHL’s first star of January

By Ian Oland

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February 1, 2017 5:39 pm

Wednesday afternoon, Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov was named the NHL’s first star of the month. Yes, you read that right. The NHL selected our very own Kuzy as the league’s best player for the first month of the year.

After a slow start, Kuznetsov has been sensational since the start of December. And in January, it’s like he got one of those Mario stars and began plowing through opposing teams like they’re goombas. Kuzy recorded seven goals, 13 assists, and 20 points in 15 games played. Kuznetsov had two points or more in nearly half of those games (7). Kuznetsov’s performance, along with the rest of his teammates (who could not stop scoring), helped power the Capitals to an impressive 12-2-1 record in January.

“We all play great,” Kuznetsov said. “Sometimes we get some points, some goals, but that’s work from all five guys on the ice. Award means a lot to my parents and my family.”

Here are all seven of the goals that Kuznetsov scored in January.

More from the NHL:

NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2017) – Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov, Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand and San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of January.

FIRST STAR – EVGENY KUZNETSOV, C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Kuznetsov ranked second in the NHL with 7-13—20 in 15 games to power the League-leading Capitals (33-11-6, 72 points) to a 12-2-1 January. He collected at least one point in 11 of his 15 outings, highlighted by seven multi-point performances. That included his third career four-point game, a 1-3—4 effort Jan. 3 vs. TOR. Kuznetsov also placed third in the NHL with a +13 rating during the month, finishing with an even or plus rating in all but one his 15 appearances. The 24-year-old Chelyabinsk, Russia, native ranks third on the Capitals with 10-29—39 in 50 games this season after finishing 10th in the NHL with 20-57—77 in 82 contests in 2015-16, all career highs.

SECOND STAR – BRAD MARCHAND, LW, BOSTON BRUINS

Marchand led the NHL with 11-9—20 in 14 games to guide the Bruins (26-21-6, 58 points) to a 6-6-2 January. He picked up at least one point in nine of his 14 contests, highlighted by his third career five-point performance (and second of the season) Jan. 14 vs. PHI (2-3—5). Marchand also posted five multi-goal games, pacing the League with 11 goals overall, and led the NHL with three shorthanded goals and four shorthanded points. The 28-year-old Halifax, N.S., native ranks sixth in the NHL with 21-30—51 in 53 appearances this season and also shares the League lead with three shorthanded goals.

THIRD STAR – BRENT BURNS, D, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Burns paced NHL defensemen with six goals, 12 assists and 18 points in 14 games to lift the Pacific Division-leading Sharks (32-17-2, 66 points) to a 9-4-1 January. He recorded at least one point in 10 of his 14 outings, including six multi-point efforts. Burns also posted a pair of three-point performances, Jan. 10 at EDM (1-2—3) and Jan. 23 at COL (1-2—3), giving him three on the season. The 31-year-old Barrie, Ont., native ranks fourth in the NHL with 21-32—53 through 51 contests in 2016-17, leading all defensemen in both goals and points, and also paces the entire League in shots on goal (196).

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