Malkin top star for January

Mar 3, 2008 - 5:30 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, who led all players in scoring with 26 points in February, on Monday was named the NHL's "First Star" of the month.

Goaltender Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars received "Second Star" honors, while Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek was dubbed the month's "Third Star."

Malkin recorded nine goals and 17 assists in 14 games as the Penguins posted an 8-3-3 record in February. He recorded points in 11 of 14 games, including nine multi-point performances.

The 21-year-old Russian leads the NHL with 88 points (37 goals, 51 assists) in 67 games and has emerged as a top contender for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's Most Valuable Player.

Turco posted a 9-2-0 record, 1.90 goals-against average and one shutout in 11 games last month. He allowed two goals or fewer in eight contests, including a 28-save performance in a 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on February 17 for his second shutout of the season.

Vanek ranked third among scorers for the month with 13 goals and seven assists in 15 games, as the Sabres went 8-4-3.

Vanek ranks third on the Sabres in scoring with 27 goals and 25 assists in 66 games.