Kings center Anze Kopitar has been named the NHL?s First Star of the Week for the week ending on Oct. 25, the Kings and the NHL announced today. Former King and current Canadiens left wing Mike Cammalleri was named the league?s Second Star and Sharks center Patrick Marleau was named the league?s Third Star. Kopitar led all scorers last week with nine points (six goals, three assists) as the Kings posted four consecutive victories and climbed to first place in the Pacific Division.

The NHL announced today that Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has been named the NHL?s First Star for the week ending Oct. 18. Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson was named the second star while Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin was named the third star. Bryzgalov began the week with a 1-0 shootout win at San Jose, stopping all 26 shots he faced in regulation and overtime to record his second shutout of the season. On Thursday, Bryzgalov made 22 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory versus the Blues. Bryzgalov then turned away 22 of 23 shots in a 4-1 win against the Bruins on Saturday as the Coyotes won their third consecutive game and improved to 5-2-0 on the season. The Coyotes are currently in first place in the Pacific Division.

Devils goalie Martin Brodeur recorded the 102nd shutout of his career on Saturday night. New Jersey defeated Carolina 2-0 at the Prudential Center. Brodeur is now just one shutout away from tying Terry Sawchuk's NHL career record.

Nicklas Lidstrom reached a mileston, and helped the Red Wings get back to .500 on Thursday night. Lidstrom became the first European defenseman and eighth overall to reach 1,000 points, assisting on two goals in Detroit?s 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, according to an Associated Press report.

The Ducks announced today that the NHL club has named four-time Stanley Cup champion Scott Niedermayer team captain. Saku Koivu and Ryan Getzlaf have been named alternate captains for the 2009-10 season. In addition, Corey Perry will serve as an additional alternate captain when necessary. ?This was a difficult decision as we feel there are many leaders in our locker room,? said Head Coach Randy Carlyle. ?We expect leadership to come from many players beyond just these four.?

The Avalanche have retired the No. 19 of longtime captain Joe Sakic in a ceremony before the season opener against the Sharks, as reported by ESPN. The team also raised a banner bearing his name and number to the rafters Thursday night at Pepsi Center.