Ovechkin NHL's first star on the month, January 2010

Good way to start the new year for Ovi...

NHL.COM:

While the Capitals had their best month of the season, it should surprise no one that their chief superstar, Alex Ovechkin, also had his best month.

After totaling 9 goals, 26 points and a plus-16 rating in 15 games, Ovechkin was named NHL Player of the Month for January.

He had just 1 game-winning goal, but his 17 assists were the most he's had in a month this season, and he also was named team captain Jan. 5. His strong play helped the Caps go 13-2-0 in January, their best month of the season, and take control of the Eastern Conference standings.

Second: Henrik Sedin -- We're not even into February and the Vancouver Canucks center already is having the best season of his career. His 6 goals in 13 January games gave him 25 for the season, three better than his previous career high. And his 25 points not only gave him a League-high 78, but moved him within 4 points of his best-ever season.

Third: Tomas Vokoun -- The Florida goalie is doing his best to keep the Panthers in the playoff hunt. He went 8-4-2 in January, but allowed just 21 goals in 14 games, giving him a 1.50 goals-against average, .958 save percentage and four shutouts.

THIS IMAGE WAS CONVERTED TO BLACK & WHITE) Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses with his Team Russia Olympic Jersey on January 30, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia.
(January 29, 2010 - Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)


Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up before playing the New York Islanders on January 26, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
(January 25, 2010 - Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

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