Kucherov named 1st star of the week after vaulting back into MVP hunt

Nikita Kucherov's latest hot streak got the attention of the NHL headquarters.

The Tampa Bay Lightning forward was named the league's first star of the week Monday after posting five goals and seven points in three games.

Kucherov has crept back into the Hart Trophy conversation lately, notching seven goals and nine points over his last four contests. He also scored the overtime winner Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings.

The 23-year-old winger ranks second in the NHL with 38 goals - four behind Sidney Crosby - and sixth with 78 points.

Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen was named the league's second star of the week after going 3-0-1 with a 0.98 GAA and .959 save percentage.

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf was deemed the third star for posting seven assists in three victories.