Backstrom, Ovechkin honored by NHL

Nov 17, 2008 - 8:03 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom and teammate Alex Ovechkin were among this week's "Three Stars' announced by the NHL on Monday.

Joining the two Washington players was goaltender Dan Ellis of the Nashville Predators.

Backstrom was named the week's "First Star" after registering 11 points on two goals and nine assists to lead all players in scoring.

The runner-up in the Calder Trophy voting last season, Backstrom has 12 points in the last five games - triple his output from the first 12 contests of the season.

Ending a nine-game goalless streak, the longest of his career, Ovechkin earned "Second Star" status by scoring goals in each of Washington's four games last week.

Ovechkin recorded 10 points on the week - second behind Backstrom - with five goals and five assists.

Ellis garnered the "Third Star" honor after posting a 3-0-0 week with a 2.28 goals-against average and .944 save percentage. He made a franchise-record 54 saves in a 4-3 win over San Jose on Tuesday.