Detroit Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader named first star of the week
After a strong start to the season, Justin Abdekader has been named the NHL's First Star for the week ending Oct. 11.
Through week one, Abdelkader led the NHL in goals scored (four) and was tied for second in total points with five. He and his Red Wings are off to a 2-0-0 start.
Abdelkader became the third Red Wing ever to open the season with a hat trick (Adam Brown was the first to accomplish the feat in the 1945-46 season and Brendan Shanahan was the most recent in the 2001-02 season) in the 4-0 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Abdelkader recorded a goal and an assist in his second game in the come from behind 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Abdelkader scored the game winning goal in both victories.
The 28-year-old has 65 goals and 137 points in 400 career NHL games. Last season, Abdelkader set a career high in goals (23), assists (21) and points (44).
Abdelkader has been playing on the top line with Henrik Zetterberg and Dylan Larkin. The line has clicked extremely well. Should the stellar trio continue, Abdelkader can quite easily surpass his previous season's totals.
