Wyatt Johnston, Brandon Hagel, and Tom Wilson Named NHL’s Three Stars of the Week
When a player catches fire, it’s hard not to take notice-especially when three of them do it at the same time. This week, the NHL spotlight shines on Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel, and Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who have been named the league’s Three Stars of the Week after turning in standout performances that helped fuel winning streaks for their respective teams.
Let’s break down what made each of these players impossible to ignore over the past seven days.
First Star: Wyatt Johnston - Dallas Stars
Johnston didn’t just have a strong week-he flat-out dominated. The 20-year-old center racked up nine points in four games, with five goals and four assists. But it wasn’t just the numbers-it was how he got them.
Johnston delivered two monster performances that set the tone for the Stars’ perfect week. On Tuesday, he notched a goal and three assists in an 8-3 blowout win over the Oilers, showcasing his vision and playmaking in transition.
Then on Sunday, he followed it up with a hat trick and an assist against Ottawa, leading Dallas to a 6-1 win. That’s back-to-back four-point games-something that’s rarefied air, even in today’s high-scoring NHL.
What’s been especially impressive is Johnston’s ability to drive offense from the middle of the ice. His timing, hockey IQ, and finishing touch have been on full display. For a young player, he’s showing the kind of poise and consistency that makes you think he’s just scratching the surface.
Second Star: Brandon Hagel - Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel has been on a tear-and his timing couldn’t be better for a Lightning team that’s heating up. Hagel led the NHL with six goals over four games this past week and tied for the league lead in shots on goal (17) and plus-minus (+9). He also chipped in two assists, rounding out an all-around offensive explosion.
The highlight came in a 3-0 win over the Flyers, where Hagel factored in on all three goals. That kind of performance is exactly what Tampa needs from him as they push for control of the Atlantic Division-and right now, they’ve got it. The Lightning are riding a seven-game win streak dating back to November 18, and Hagel has been front and center in that surge.
What stands out with Hagel isn’t just the scoring-it’s the energy and pace he brings. He’s relentless on the forecheck, creates turnovers, and turns broken plays into scoring chances.
And when he’s finishing like this? He becomes a nightmare matchup.
Third Star: Tom Wilson - Washington Capitals
Tom Wilson is known for his physicality, but this week, it was his offensive game doing the talking. Wilson tallied eight points-four goals and four assists-across four games, helping the Capitals to a perfect week and a climb into third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Wilson’s impact went beyond the scoresheet. He was a force in all three zones, playing with the kind of edge that makes him one of the league’s most unique forwards. His offensive production gave Washington a much-needed boost, especially with the team battling for playoff positioning in a tight division.
Whether it was finishing off plays in front of the net or setting up teammates off the rush, Wilson found different ways to contribute. When he’s playing with this kind of balance between grit and skill, he gives the Capitals a whole different dimension.
Bottom Line
All three players were instrumental in their teams’ success this week-and they did it in style. Johnston’s breakout performances, Hagel’s scoring surge, and Wilson’s all-around impact were more than just stat lines. They were statements.
As the NHL season rolls toward the holiday stretch, these are the kind of weeks that can shift momentum and shape playoff races. If Johnston, Hagel, and Wilson keep this up, they won’t just be weekly stars-they’ll be season-long difference-makers.