NHL: Vanek's the best ...

The NHL has announced that Thomas Vanek is their first star of the week.

Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek, Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom and Dallas Stars rookie left wing Fabian Brunnstrom have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending October 19.

The 24-year-old Vanek picked up eight points (six goals, two assists), in a week that saw Buffalo post a 3-0-1 record. Vanek has nine points (7-2--9) in his first five games and is off to the best start of his four-year career, posting at least one goal in each of Buffalo’s first five games.

Included in Vanek’s League-leading goal total last week were shorthanded goals in consecutive games (Oct. 13 at NYI, Oct. 15 at NYR), and a power-play goal in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss in Atlanta. Vanek also has a League-best 32 shots in his five games.