Draisaitl, MacKinnon, Ullmark Honored as NHL’s Three Stars of the Week
The NHL has announced its “Three Stars” of the Week, presented by GEICO, for the period ending December 15. The honors recognize Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, and Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators for their exceptional performances.
First Star: Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl delivered a stellar week, tallying 3 goals and 6 assists for a total of 9 points across three games. This helped the Oilers (18-10-2, 38 points) extend their winning streak to five games and propelled Edmonton to third place in the Pacific Division.
Draisaitl’s standout performances included:
- Scoring his 20th goal of the season, along with 1 assist, in a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 10.
- A 4-point game (1 goal, 3 assists) in a commanding 7-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on December 12, marking the 27th four-point game of his career.
- Capping the week with a 3-point game (1 goal, 2 assists), including his league-leading seventh game-winning goal of the season, in a 6-3 triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights on December 14.
The 29-year-old forward is tied for the league lead in goals (22) and ranks fifth in points (45) over 30 games this season. Draisaitl’s current form, with 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) during Edmonton’s winning streak, underscores his pivotal role in the team’s success. The Oilers will next face the Florida Panthers in a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, set for tonight at Rogers Place.
Second Star: Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon showcased his elite skills by leading the league with 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists)—all at even strength—across three games, contributing to a 2-1-0 week for the Avalanche (18-14-0, 36 points). MacKinnon was instrumental in Colorado’s offensive production, scoring in 9 of the team’s 12 goals during the week.
Key highlights from MacKinnon’s week included:
- Recording a 5-point game (1 goal, 4 assists) in a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 10, marking the ninth five-point game of his career and his second this season.
- Scoring the Avalanche’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on December 12.
- Adding 2 goals and 1 assist in a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on December 14, making him the first NHL player to reach 50 points (13 goals, 37 assists) this season.
The 29-year-old, a former Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner, leads the league in points (50), assists (37), and even-strength assists (26) while ranking second in even-strength points (36) and shots on goal (126).
Third Star: Linus Ullmark, G, Ottawa Senators
Linus Ullmark was a wall in net, stopping 88 of 91 shots faced across three games for an unbeaten 3-0-0 record, a 0.99 goals-against average (GAA), a .967 save percentage, and a shutout. His stellar play helped the Senators (15-13-2, 32 points) claim the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Ullmark’s notable performances included:
- 31 saves in a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on December 11, including 16 stops in the second period.
- His 10th career shutout with 32 saves in a 3-0 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on December 13.
- 25 saves in a 3-2 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 14.
The 31-year-old goaltender has been in remarkable form, going unbeaten in his last seven starts (6-0-1) since November 27, with a 1.55 GAA and a .950 save percentage. Ullmark’s season stats now include a 10-7-2 record, a 2.52 GAA, a .910 save percentage, and two shutouts in 20 appearances, his first season with Ottawa.
Recognition for NHL Fans
As part of the “Three Stars” program, GEICO also presents the “Fourth Star” of the week, honoring NHL fans. For more details on the “Fourth Star” and to view the November winner, visit the NHL website.
The performances of Draisaitl, MacKinnon, and Ullmark have solidified their places as standout contributors to their respective teams, setting the stage for more excitement as the NHL season unfolds.
