Sabres LW Vanek nabs "First Star" of the week

Oct 20, 2008 - 4:28 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek, who has scored a goal in all five games this season, was named the NHL's "First Star" of the week on Monday.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom and Dallas Stars rookie left wing Fabian Brunnstrom also were honored.

The 24-year-old Vanek tallied six goals and two assists, leading the Sabres to a 3-0-1 record this past week. With seven goals and nine points on the season, Vanek is off to the best start of his four-year career.

Vanek also notched a shorthanded goal in consecutive games, accomplishing the feat last Monday against the New York Islanders and again Wednesday vs. the New York Rangers.

Backstrom posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.30 goals-against average and .952 save percentage to capture the "Second Star."

A third-year pro, Backstrom turned aside all 32 shots he faced during Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning for his first shutout of the season and 10th career.

Brunnstrom's terrific debut led to him picking up the "Third Star." The 23-year-old rookie notched a hat trick, including the game-winner, during Wednesday's 6-4 triumph over the Nashville Predators.

Brunnstrom, who finished the with four goals in three games, became the third player in NHL history to net three goals in his first career game, joining Alex Smart of the 1943 Montreal Canadiens and Real Cloutier of the 1979 Quebec Nordiques.