NEW YORK - Sidney Crosby's recent surge has earned him the NHL's first star of the week.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain scored six goals in three games. He also added three assists to move into second place on the league's scoring chart behind teammate Evgeni Malkin.
A pair of goaltenders were also honoured by the NHL on Monday. Jonas Hiller of the Anaheim Ducks was given the second star of the week while Chris Mason of the St. Louis Blues received the third star.
Crosby's nine points led all scorers. The week was highlighted by his second career three-goal game during a win over New Jersey on Saturday night.
Hiller won both of his starts by posting a 0.50 goals-against average, .984 save percentage and one shutout. Mason also won two games and stopped 75 of the 77 shots he faced.
Also Monday, Washington Capitals left-winger Alex Ovechkin was named first star of the month for November. Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin took the second star and New York Islanders goaltender Joey MacDonald was named third star.
Ovechkin led all NHL scorers last month with 25 points (11-14) in 14 games while Malkin recorded 23 points (7-16) in 12 games.
MacDonald posted an 8-5-1 record with a 2.64 GAA and .916 save percentage. He led all goaltenders in games (14), minutes (842) and shots faced (439), and shared the lead in victories.
