Wild forward Parise named NHL's First Star for week of March 21
Winger Zach Parise has been named the NHL's first star of the week after powering the Minnesota Wild back into a playoff spot with five goals and two assists in just three games.
Parise got off to a quiet start, registering an assist in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, before exploding for three goals in just over 11 minutes during a 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames.
Parise's hat trick was the fastest in Wild history, while his three hat tricks lead the NHL this season.
The Minnesota native was at it again on Saturday, scoring the game-winner in a 4-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
Parise currently leads the Wild in scoring with 24 goals.
St. Louis Blues goaltender and University of Wisconsin alum Brian Elliot was the NHL's second star, while former Gophers star Phil Kessel of the Pittsburgh Penguins was the third star.
