Datsyuk named NHL's "First Star"

Feb 4, 2008 - 5:09 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- After leading the league in scoring this past week, Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk was named the NHL's "First Star of the Week" on Monday.

Also honored were Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco and New York Rangers center Chris Drury.

Datsyuk scored seven points - one goal and six assists - to help the Red Wings post three consecutive victories and extend their lead in the league's overall standings to 16 points.

Datsyuk played a key role in the run, earning points on seven of Detroit's eight goals. He had three assists in the 3-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday and two more as Detroit beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 on Friday.

Datsyuk capped off the week with the the game-winning goal and an assist in a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

Datsyuk is tied with linemate Henrik Zetterberg for the team scoring lead with 65 points (18 goals, 47 assists) in 54 games.

Turco, the week's "Second Star", went 3-0-0 with a measly 1.67 goals-against average to help the Stars complete a sweep during a three-game swing through Western Canada. Turco made 29 saves in a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, stopped 32 of 33 shots in a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday and made 31 saves in a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

Drury earned "Third Star' status after tallying four goals and two assists in four games as the Rangers posted a 3-1-0 record.

He began with one goal and one assists in the 4-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, then added two goals - including the game winner - in a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday.

Drury scored the game-winner for a second time when he recorded one goal and one assists in a 5-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.