First Star - Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets
Mark Scheifele was nothing short of spectacular this week, racking up 3 goals and 5 assists over three games, including two game-winning goals. This offensive surge helped the Jets (26-26-10, 62 points) achieve a flawless week, inching them closer to a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Scheifele kicked things off with a 3-point night against the Chicago Blackhawks, sealing the win with his franchise-record 18th career overtime goal. He continued his hot streak with a 2-point performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning, netting his sixth game-winner of the season.
Scheifele capped off the week by hitting the 30-goal mark for the season, contributing crucial assists in a thrilling overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Leading Winnipeg in goals, assists, and points, the 32-year-old stands sixth in the NHL with an impressive 78 points through 62 games this season.
Second Star - Martin Necas, C, Colorado Avalanche
Martin Necas was a key player for the Avalanche as they extended their winning streak to five games. Over four contests, he tallied 3 goals and 5 assists, helping Colorado (43-10-9, 95 points) solidify their lead in the Presidents’ Trophy race.
Necas started strong with a 3-point game against the Los Angeles Kings and followed up with a decisive game-winning goal versus the Anaheim Ducks. His standout performance came against the Dallas Stars, where he notched 4 points and the clinching shootout goal.
Although he was kept off the scoresheet in a shootout win over the Minnesota Wild, Necas’ contributions have been invaluable. In his first full season with Colorado, the 27-year-old ranks eighth in the NHL with 76 points in 59 games.
Third Star - Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres
Tage Thompson played a pivotal role in lifting the Buffalo Sabres (39-19-6, 84 points) to the top of the Atlantic Division, riding a seven-game winning streak. Over four games, Thompson recorded 2 goals and 5 assists.
He scored a crucial game-winner against the Vegas Golden Knights and added an assist in a dominant win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thompson continued his scoring touch with his 34th goal of the season against the Nashville Predators and finished the week with a remarkable four-assist game in a comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The 28-year-old is on a career-high 11-game point streak, leading Buffalo and ranking 16th in the NHL with 70 points in 64 games this season.