Panthers' Aaron Ekblad named NHL's third star of the week
Florida Panthers rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad was named the NHL's third star for the week ending Sunday.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 Draft, Ekblad led all NHL defensemen in scoring with two goals and six points in a week in which the Panthers posted a 2-1-1 record.
Just the third 18-year-old defenseman since 1987 to record at least three assists in a single game, Ekblad closed the week with a career-high three helpers in a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 6.
Ekblad, 18, ranks third among NHL rookies and paces all first-year defensemen with 17 points in 25 games this season.
Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (first star) and Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (second star) were also honored.
You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.
