Stamkos named NHL first star for February

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos, Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby and Chicago goaltender Ray Emery have been named the NHL's three stars for February.

Stamkos earned first-star honours after posting 10 goals and 10 assists in 14 games over the month. Entering Friday's games, he leads the NHL with 14 goals and is tied with Crosby for top spot in points with 31.

Stamkos had a season-high six-game goal streak, six multi-point outings and recorded at least one point in 11 of 14 games last month. He ended February on an eight-game point streak (seven goals, seven assists).

Crosby led the NHL with 18 assists and 24 points in 14 games last month. He recorded six three-point performances in February and registered at least one point in 11 of 14 games.

Emery posted a 7-0-0 record, 1.66 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in eight games as the Blackhawks continued their record-setting start to the season.

He allowed two goals or fewer in seven of his eight appearances and secured shootout victories over the Calgary Flames on Feb. 2 and Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 19.

He entered play Friday in the top 10 in the league in wins (eight), goals-against average (1.92) and save percentage (.931).

The NHL also named Florida Panthers centre Jonathan Huberdeau as its rookie of the month. He led all first-year players with six goals and nine points in 13 games in February.

Huberdeau edged Lightning centre Cory Conacher (four goals, five assists), Panthers teammate Drew Shore (two goals, eight assists) and Dallas Stars forward Antoine Roussel (four goals, three assists) for the honour.

Huberdeau, 19, had a career-high four points in a 5-2 victory in Philadelphia on Feb. 21, including the game-winning goal on a penalty shot.