Evgeny Kuznetsov named NHL's first star of the week

After his five point performance against the Edmonton Oilers, Evgeny Kuznetsov was named as the NHL's first star of the week.

Kuznetsov had three goals and six assists in the Washington Capitals' three wins this week. Kuznetsov's three goals came in a hat trick performance against the Oilers. He also picked up a personal career-high three assists in the opening game of the week against the Calgary Flames. And against the Vancouver Canucks, Kuznetsov set up Alexander Ovechkin with the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the third period.

Kuznetsov's five-point effort was the first five point game for a Washington Capitals since Dec. 10, 2013, when Nicklas Backstrom recorded a goal and four assists against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This is Kuznetsov's first first star of the week award. Kuznetsov has 17 goals and 40 assists in 104 career NHL games.

Kuznetsov has been playing between Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie on the Capitals' top line. His 4.62 points per 60 minutes of play at even strength five on five is the third-highest total in the NHL.