First Star - Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Nikita Kucherov is lighting up the NHL, taking the lead in the Art Ross Trophy race with an impressive display of skill and precision. Over the past week, Kucherov led the league in goals, assists, points, and more, as the Lightning powered through with a 3-0-1 record.
His standout performance included a hat trick and a five-point game against the Kraken, showcasing his 63rd career game-winning goal. He followed that with a three-point night against the Canucks and a four-point showcase versus the Oilers, which featured his first career shorthanded goal.
Kucherov capped off the week with an assist in an overtime loss to the Flames. At 32, he's now leading the NHL with 119 points in 65 games, chasing his third consecutive scoring title.
Second Star - Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators
Filip Forsberg is playing a pivotal role in the Predators' push for the playoffs, ranking second in the NHL with nine points over four games. His contributions helped Nashville secure a perfect week, propelling them into a Wild Card spot.
Forsberg's week included key performances like a two-point game against the Jets and primary assists on game-winning goals against the Kraken and Golden Knights. He wrapped up with a franchise-record 12th career overtime goal against the Blackhawks.
Forsberg, now with over 350 career goals, is second on the team in goals and points this season.
Third Star - Cole Caufield, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Cole Caufield is on a tear for the Canadiens, racking up eight points in three games and leading Montreal to two victories. He kicked off the week with a two-point game against the Bruins, including a record-breaking 13th career overtime goal.
Caufield then added an assist in a loss to the Red Wings before exploding for a five-point game, including a hat trick, against the Islanders. This makes him the first Canadiens player to hit the 40-goal mark in a season since 1993-94.
With points in five straight games, Caufield is second in the race for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy with 43 goals this season.