NHL Names Kucherov, Tolvanen, Slafkovsky Stars of Week

New York - The National Hockey League named Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov, Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen and Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky as its three stars of the week on Monday, recognizing their standout performances during a holiday-shortened schedule ending December 28, 2025.

Kucherov earned first-star honors with six points, including four goals and two assists, over three games. His contributions helped the Lightning go undefeated in regulation during the week, securing victories that propelled them to second place in the Atlantic Division. The 32-year-old, a two-time defending Art Ross Trophy winner as the league's top scorer, now ranks seventh overall with 49 points, comprising 17 goals and 32 assists, in 34 games this season.

Tolvanen took second star with an identical six points from two goals and four assists in six games, aiding the Kraken in extending their winning streak to four. Seattle's recent surge came after a stretch of 10 losses in 11 games, highlighted by a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, where Tolvanen scored twice in the third period. Backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 31 saves in that...