After a rough sophomore stint last season, Corey Crawford has kicked off the shortened 2013 campaign looking poised and confident in the net. The goaltender's hard work has paid off, and his leading role in the Blackhawks' franchise-best 6-0-0 start to the season has earned him the No. 2 spot on this week's NHL 'Three Stars' of the Week.
Crawford's posted five wins, a 1.78 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. After recording 19 saves against the Kings, 32 against the Blues, and 21 in the Hawks' 3-2 overtime victory over Dallas, Crawford continued his successful performance with a pair of wins over the weekend against the Blue Jackets and Red Wings.
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Sharks left winger Patrick Marleau was named the NHL's No. 1 star of the week after recording four multi-point games, leading to a total of 13 points in five matchups. Marleau became the second NHL player in history to do so, following Cy Denneny's record-breaking performance during the 1917-18 season.
Marleau also became the first player in Sharks history to score a goal during each of his team's first five games of the season. The only other NHL players to do so were the Blues' Keith Tkachuk (six games) and the Sabres' Thomas Vanek (five).
Lightning right winger Martin St. Louis completes the list after recording 11 points throughout Tampa Bay's 4-1-0 run. His most impressive performance of the season came against the Capitals on Jan. 19 when he recorded two goals -- including the game winner -- and an assist.
St. Louis followed that performance by recording a goal and assist against the Islanders, two assists against the Senators and another four helpers in the Lightning's victory over the Flyers.