NHL Public RelationsMarch 1, 2022

NEW YORK (March 1, 2022) – Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner, Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom and Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of February.

FIRST STAR – MITCHELL MARNER, RW, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Marner led the NHL in goals (t-9), assists (14) and points (23) across 12 games to help the Maple Leafs (35-14-4, 74 points) go 7-4-1 in February and move into a tie – in terms of points – for second place in the Atlantic Division. Marner found the scoresheet in eight of his 12 appearances, highlighted by seven multi-point performances and four outings with at least three points. That included career highs of four goals and six points Feb. 26 at DET (4-2—6) – the most goals and points in a game by a Toronto player since March 25, 2019 (John Tavares) and April 11, 2006 (Mats Sundin), respectively. Marner recorded two other multi-goal games during the month: Feb. 1 at NJD (2-2—4) and Feb. 7 vs. CAR (2-1—3), with the latter featuring his second career overtime goal (also Feb. 1, 2020 vs. OTT). The 24-year-old Markham, Ont., native – who ranked 72nd in League scoring entering February (12-21—33 in 32 GP) – now sits 14th in the Art Ross Trophy race with 21-35—56 in 44 total contests this season.

SECOND STAR – JACOB MARKSTROM, G, CALGARY FLAMES

Markstrom topped the NHL with eight wins in 10 starts, going 8-1-0 with a 2.04 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and one shutout to lift the Flames (31-14-6, 68 points) from fourth to first in the Pacific Division via a 10-1-0 February. Markstrom yielded two or fewer goals in seven of his 10 outings, highlighted by his League-leading eighth shutout of the season Feb. 9 vs. VGK (28 SV) – two shy of the franchise record established by Miikka Kiprusoff in 2005-06 (10). He also made a season-high 46 saves (on 48 shots) Feb. 10 vs. TOR, three off of his personal best achieved Dec. 28, 2019 vs. LAK and Feb. 12, 2020 vs. CHI (both w/ VAN). The 32-year-old Gävle, Sweden, native has compiled a 24-11-5 record through 41 total appearances this season, ranking among the NHL leaders in shutouts (1st; 8), goals-against average (5th; 2.13), save percentage (5th; .925) and wins (8th; 24).

THIRD STAR – PATRIK LAINE, LW, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Laine shared the League lead with nine goals and three game-winning goals in 10 outings (9-6—15) to power the Blue Jackets (27-25-1, 55 points) to a 7-3-0 February. All of Laine’s points came during an eight-game run to open the month, which extended his overall point streak to 11 contests dating to Jan. 27 (13-8—21). Laine’s February performance included three multi-goal games, highlighted by his ninth career hat trick and 23rd career game-winning goal Feb. 17 at CHI (3-0—3). Laine added two other decisive tallies: Feb. 12 at MTL (1-1—2) and Feb. 22 vs. TOR (2-0—2), with the latter serving as his third overtime goal and sixth game-winning goal of the season (t-1st and t-5th in the NHL, respectively). The 23-year-old Tampere, Finland, native has played in 34 of Columbus’ 53 total contests in 2021-22, leading the team with 1.06 points per game while ranking third overall with 19-17—36.

COURTESY NHLmedia.com