Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kuznetsov driving fast start by Capitals

Forward Alex Ovechkin and centers Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov continue to power the Washington Capitals' strong start this season.

Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, Backstrom scored a goal and had three assists, and Kuznetsov had two assists in the Capitals' 5-2 win at the New Jersey Devils on Friday, giving each player 10 points through the first five games of the season for Washington (3-1-1). Ovechkin has an NHL-leading nine goals and one assist, Backstrom has two goals and eight assists, and all 10 of Kuznetsov's points have been assists. They share the NHL lead in points.

The Capitals are the 10th team in NHL history to have three or more players with least 10 points through the first five games of a season. The last team to do so was the San Jose Sharks in 2012-13, when centersPatrick Marleau (nine goals, four assists) and Joe Thornton (three goals, 10 assists) each had 13 points and center Joe Pavelskihad 10 (two goals, eight assists).

Ovechkin continues to make history of his own. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he's the fourth player in the NHL's expansion era (since 1967-68) to score nine goals through his team's first five games of a season, joining New York Islanders forward Mike Bossy (1984-85), Pittsburgh Penguins center Mario Lemieux (1988-89) and Marleau.

Ovechkin, a six-time winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal-scorer, had four goals through nine games last season and finished with 33, his lowest total in a full season since he had 32 in 2010-11.

Kuznetsov, Rakell, Russell named our 'Three Stars of the Night'

NEW YORK -- UNB! Network NHL/hockey blog 'The Neutral Zone' has named Evgeny Kuznetsov, Rickard Rakell, and Kris Russell as their 'Theee Stars of the Night' for the National Hockey League games taking place on February 22, 2017.

FIRST STAR - EVGENY KUZNETSOV, F, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Kuznetsov recorded two goals in Washington's 4-1 win at Philadelphia. Via the Elias Sports Bureau, the Capitals (59 GP) reached 40 wins in less than 60 GP for 3rd time in franchise history (2009-10: 58 GP and 2015-16: 53 GP).

SECOND STAR - RICKARD RAKELL, F, ANAHEIM DUCKS

Rakell recorded two goals in Anaheim's 5-3 win over the Boston Bruins.

THIRD STAR - KRIS RUSSELL, D, EDMONTON OILERS

Russell's first goal of the season (GWG) pushed the the Oilers within three points from first in the Pacific Division.

Evgeny Kuznetsov named NHL Player of the Month

NEW YORK - Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov, Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand and San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns have been named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the month of January.

FIRST STAR - EVGENY KUZNETSOV, C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Kuznetsov ranked second in the NHL with 7-13-20 in 15 games to power the League-leading Capitals (33-11-6, 72 points) to a 12-2-1 January. He collected at least one point in 11 of his 15 outings, highlighted by seven multi-point performances. That included his third career four-point game, a 1-3-4 effort Jan. 3 vs. TOR. Kuznetsov also placed third in the NHL with a +13 rating during the month, finishing with an even or plus rating in all but one his 15 appearances. The 24-year-old Chelyabinsk, Russia, native ranks third on the Capitals with 10-29-39 in 50 games this season after finishing 10th in the NHL with 20-57-77 in 82 contests in 2015-16, all career highs.

SECOND STAR - BRAD MARCHAND, LW, BOSTON BRUINS

Marchand led the NHL with 11-9-20 in 14 games to guide the Bruins (26-21-6, 58 points) to a 6-6-2 January. He picked up at least one point in nine of his 14 contests, highlighted by his third career five-point performance (and second of the season) Jan. 14 vs. PHI (2-3-5). Marchand also posted five multi-goal games, pacing the League with 11 goals overall, and led the NHL with three shorthanded goals and four shorthanded points. The 28-year-old Halifax, N.S., native ranks sixth in the NHL with 21-30-51 in 53 appearances this season and also shares the League lead with three shorthanded goals.

THIRD STAR - BRENT BURNS, D, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Burns paced NHL defensemen with six goals, 12 assists and 18 points in 14 games to lift the Pacific Division-leading Sharks (32-17-2, 66 points) to a 9-4-1 January. He recorded at least one point in 10 of his 14 outings, including six multi-point efforts. Burns also posted a pair of three-point performances, Jan. 10 at EDM (1-2-3) and Jan. 23 at COL (1-2-3), giving him three on the season. The 31-year-old Barrie, Ont., native ranks fourth in the NHL with 21-32-53 through 51 contests in 2016-17, leading all defensemen in both goals and points, and also paces the entire League in shots on goal (196).

- NHL Public Relations