New York Islanders Mathew Barzal named NHL’s first star of the week

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been named the NHL’s first star of the week. Martin Jones took home the second star of the week, while Brad Marchand earned the third.

Barzal lit up the East Division last week scoring three goals and seven points in three games as the Islanders record pushed to 24-10-4 on the season. He had an assist in New York’s 2-1 loss against Pittsburgh on March 29.

He followed it up with a three-goal, five-point performance for his first career hat trick in a 8-4 domination of the Washington Capitals two days later. It also marked his fourth career five-point performance in just his 272nd game. Mike Bossy (15 in 752 games), Bryan Trottier (15 in 1,123 games) and Denis Potvin (five in 1,060 games) are the only players with more.

Barzal capped the week off with an assist and a shootout-deciding goal in a 3-2 win over the Flyers on April 3.

Second star of the week went to San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones, who won all four games he played posting a 1.71 GAA and a .942 save percentage. The wins helped push the Sharks within three points of the final playoff spot in the West Division.

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand took home third star scoring five goals and seven points in three games.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.