TORONTO

Ovechkin named NHL's first star of the week

The Canadian Press Published Monday, April 8, 2013 1:05PM EDT

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates his goal with teammates Matt Hendricks, left, Karl Alzner (27) and Mike Ribeiro (9) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Washington. The Capitals won 4-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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NEW YORK - Alex Ovechkin has been named the NHL's first star of the week after his offensive performance helped the Washington Capitals surge into first place in the Southeast Division.

Ovechkin had seven goals and two assists over Washington's four-game winning streak last week, as well as scoring the only shootout goal in a 2-1 win Thursday over the New York Islanders.

His scoring run included three goals, including the game winner, in a 4-3 win over Florida on Saturday. It was the 12th hat trick of Ovechkin's career.

Ovechkin is tied for first in the league with 25 goals, and ranks sixth with 43 points.

Elliott posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.45 goals-against average and .952 save percentage in three appearances last week. He capped the week by making 28 saves for the 19th shutout of his career in a 1-0 win over Detroit on Sunday.

Lundqvist started all four games for the Rangers, posting a 3-0-1 record with a 1.22 goals-against average and .962 save percentage.