Ovechkin top star for March

Apr 1, 2008 - 8:27 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, who became the first player to reach 60 goals in a dozen years, on Monday was named the NHL's "First Star" of March.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury received "Second Star" honors, while Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen was dubbed the month's "Third Star."

Ovechkin led all NHL scorers in March with 26 points in 14 games as the Capitals went 10-4-0 in pursuit of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. He recorded points in 11 of 14 games, including nine multiple-point performances.

On March 21 in Atlanta, Ovechkin became the first player to notch 60 goals in a season since Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr both did it in 1995-96. Entering play Tuesday night, Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals (62), points (109), power-play goals (21) and game-winning goals (10).

Fleury posted a 9-1-1 record, with a 1.44 goals-against average and two shutouts during March as Pittsburgh moved into first place in the Eastern Conference. He allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 games.

Franzen tallied 14 goals and 18 points over the month, notching at least a point in all but one game. He also recorded six game-winning goals over the 13 contests.