BUFFALO – Thomas Vanek’s scorching start to the lockout-shortened season – six goals and a league-high 15 points through only six games – has earned the slick Sabres winger the NHL’s third star for January.
Vanek’s coming off a dazzling three-goal, five point performance Thursday in the Sabres’ 7-4 win in Boston, his second five-point game this season. The Austrian had two goals and three assists opening day.
Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson, who’s 5-0-1 with a 0.99 goals-against average and .a 967 save percentage, was named the first star.
San Jose winger Patrick Marleau’s NHL-high nine goals and 14 points earned him the second star.
Top scorer, second in goals and assists. First plus second plus second equals third????