Rask leads 3 Stars of the Week

NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask, New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal and Florida Panthers goaltender James Reimer have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Dec. 24.

Rask started three of Boston's four contests, going 3-0-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average and .954 save percentage to guide the Bruins (19-10-5, 43 points) to a perfect week. He made 16 saves in a 7-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Dec. 18, followed by a season-high 37 stops - and three shootout saves - in a 2-1 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 21. Rask then capped the week with 30 stops in a 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings Dec. 23. The 30-year-old Savonlinna, Finland, native owns an 11-8-3 record through 23 outings this season (2.28 GAA, .918 SV%, 1 SO). That includes an 8-0-1 clip in his last nine decisions dating to Nov. 29 (1.45 GAA, .946 SV%, 1 SO).

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SECOND STAR - MATHEW BARZAL, C, NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Barzal posted six points, including a League-high four goals, in three games to power the Islanders (19-13-4, 42 points) to three out of a possible six standings points. He registered one assist in a 6-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings Dec. 19, 1-1-2 in a 5-4 overtime loss against the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 21 and his first career hat trick (including the game-winning goal) in a 5-2 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 23. In doing so, Barzal became the 11th rookie in Islanders history to record a hat trick and first since 2010-11 (Michael Grabner). The 20-year-old Coquitlam, B.C., native leads all rookies with 23 assists and 35 points through 36 contests this season.

THIRD STAR - JAMES REIMER, G, FLORIDA PANTHERS

Reimer stopped 106 of 110 shots, compiling a 3-0-0 record, 1.33 goals-against average, .964 save percentage and one shutout to propel the Panthers (15-16-5, 35 points) to a perfect week. He made 39 saves in a 3-2 victory against the Arizona Coyotes Dec. 19, turned aside 29 shots in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild Dec. 22 and earned his 18th career shutout with 38 stops in a 1-0 triumph against the Ottawa Senators Dec. 23. The 29-year-old Morweena, Man., native is 9-9-4 with a 3.15 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and one shutout through 23 appearances this season.