The NHL announced its Three Stars of the Month for January, honoring Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov as the top performer. Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard followed for their standout contributions. The awards highlight their roles in their teams' strong monthly records.
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov earned the first star honor after leading the NHL with 22 assists and 31 points in 13 games during January. He scored 9 goals and assisted on 22 others, powering the Lightning to an 11-1-1 record that secured first place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 72 points. This marked Kucherov's third career 30-point month, making him the eighth player in NHL history to achieve the feat at least three times. Highlights included a five-point game on January 3 against San Jose (1 goal, 4 assists), two four-point performances on January 10 at Philadelphia and January 24 at Columbus, and two three-point games. Kucherov topped January leaders in even-strength points (20), power-play assists (9), and power-play points (11), while ranking second in even-strength assists (13). Overall this season, the 32-year-old has 27 goals and 55 assists for 82 points in 48 games, placing third in the league.
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak took second star after tying for second in the NHL with 20 assists and 25 points in 14 games. His 5 goals and 20 assists helped the Bruins go 11-2-1, climbing into the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with 67 points. Pastrnak's output was the most by a Bruin in a month since Brad Marchand's 26 points in March 2018. He recorded points in 12 of 14 games, including a franchise-rare six-assist game on January 10 against the New York Rangers—the first such performance by a Bruin since Ray Bourque in 1990. Pastrnak led January in even-strength assists (14) and ranked second in even-strength points (18). On January 26, he became the third Czech player to reach 900 NHL points. Through 50 games this season, the 29-year-old has 22 goals and 47 assists for 69 points, sixth in the league.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard claimed third star with 8 goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 15 games, topping all defensemen and ranking fourth overall. His performance guided the Oilers to an 8-5-2 January, earning 64 points. Bouchard notched points in 12 of 15 games, including a career-first hat trick on January 24 against Washington (3 goals, 3 assists)—only the fourth defenseman in NHL history with three goals and three assists in a game. He led defensemen in even-strength goals (6), even-strength points (16), and shots on goal (54). The 26-year-old is second among blueliners with 15 goals and 45 assists for 60 points in 56 games this season, 16th overall in the NHL.
The awards, presented by GEICO, recognize top performers across the league for the month.
