Pavelski Named NHL First Star of the Week

NEW YORK, NY --San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski , Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jonathan Bernier and Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending March 12.
FIRST STAR - JOE PAVELSKI, C, SAN JOSE SHARKS
Pavelski recorded six points in four games, including a League-best five goals, to power the Pacific Division-leading Sharks (41-20-7, 89 points) to three victories. He notched two goals, including what stood as the winner, in a 3-2 triumph against the Winnipeg Jets March 6. Pavelski added 1-1-2 in a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals March 9 before being held off the scoresheet in a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators March 11. He capped the week with another two-goal performance, again registering the decisive tally, in a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars March 12. The 32-year-old Plover, Wis., native ranks second on the Sharks with 26 goals and 61 points through 68 contests this season, while his seven game-winning goals pace the team and share fifth place in the NHL.

SECOND STAR - JONATHAN BERNIER, G, ANAHEIM DUCKS
Bernier went 3-0-0 with a 1.62 goals-against average, .948 save percentage and one shutout to lift the Ducks (36-23-10, 82 points) into second place in the Pacific Division. He made 24 saves through overtime - and turned aside all five attempts he faced in the shootout - in a 4-3 victory against the Nashville Predators March 7. Bernier then recorded 43 saves in earning his 14th career shutout via a 1-0 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks March 9. He finished the week with 25 stops in a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals March 12. The 28-year-old Laval, Que., native owns a 13-7-2 record with a 2.69 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 29 appearances this season, his first with the Ducks.
THIRD STAR - ERIK KARLSSON, D, OTTAWA SENATORS
Karlsson paced defensemen with 2-4-6 in four contests to help the Senators (39-22-6, 84 points) extend their winning streak to six games. He collected two assists in a 4-2 victory over the Boston Bruins March 6 before being held off the scoresheet in a 5‑2 triumph against the Dallas Stars March 8. Karlsson then posted 2-1-3, including the tying and winning goals, in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Arizona Coyotes March 9. He closed the week with one assist in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche March 11. The 26-year-old Landsbro, Sweden, native ranks second in the NHL with 49 assists - and second among League defensemen with 62 points - in 67 outings this season.