Minnesota Wild’s Zach Parise Named NHL’s “First Star”

Jan 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise (11) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) during the third period at the Honda Center. The Minnesota Wild defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

This morning, the NHL unveiled the league’s “Three Stars” of the week ending February 2nd. After the week he had, it would be nothing short of astounding if Minnesota Wild winger Zach Parise was left off the list.

Parise led the NHL in scoring with three goals and five assists for eight points as Minnesota went 1-1-1 on the road last week. The Minneapolis, Minn. native would score the game-winning goal and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Ducks on January 28th, making the Wild just the second team to beat Anaheim at home in regulation this season. He would then cap that with a season-best two goal, two assist four-point effort in a 5-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on January 30th. Skating alongside center Mikael Granlund and right winger Jason Pominville, the trio would combine for four goals and nine points on the night.

Just one day later, Parise received the honor of being named captain of the United States Men’s Olympic Hockey team for the upcoming Sochi Winter Games. He would cap the week with an assist in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Flames in Calgary on Saturday night. In 42 games this season, Parise has 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points and a plus-3 rating. His nine power play goals are the most by any Wild player this season.

Toronto’s Phil Kessel and Calgary’s Mikael Backlund were the league’s second and third stars, respectively. For more information, click here.