Washington Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom named NHL's first star

Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom, right, of Sweden, is tripped up by New Jersey Devils' Patrik Elias, of the Czech Republic, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday night, Nov. 15, 2008 in Newark, N.J. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Bill Kostroun

NEW YORK - Washington Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom was named the NHL's first star of the week Monday after posting two goals and nine assists in four games.

Backstrom also posted a plus-10 rating for the Capitals, who went 3-0-1 for the week.

His best game was Saturday in New Jersey, where he registered a career-high five points (1-4) in a 6-5 shootout loss to the Devils.

His teammate Alex Ovechkin was named second star, while Nashville Predators goalie Dan Ellis was third star.

Ovechkin scored in each of Washington's games last week, finishing with five goals, five assists and a league-best plus-11 rating.

Ellis posted a 3-0-0 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

He set a franchise record with 54 saves in a 4-3 overtime win over San Jose on Nov. 11.