Ottawa defenceman Erik Karlsson named NHL's first star of the week

Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson battles with New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo for control of the puck during NHL action in Ottawa, on Sunday February 26, 2012. Karlsson has been rewarded for his record-breaking week.The Ottawa Senators defenceman was named the NHL's first star of the week Monday after compiling four goals, eight assists and a plus-5 rating in four games.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Erik Karlsson has been rewarded for his record-breaking week.

The Ottawa Senators defenceman was named the NHL's first star of the week Monday after compiling four goals, eight assists and a plus-5 rating in four games.

Tampa Bay Lightning right-winger Teddy Purcell took second-star honours, while Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen was named the third star.

Karlsson has 14 goals and 51 assists in 63 games this season. His 65 points has already set a new franchise mark for defenceman in a season.

The 21-year-old has 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) during a seven-game point streak for Ottawa, which sits seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Purcell ranked second with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and led all skaters with five power-play points (one goal, four assists) as the Lightning earned four out of a possible eight points to remain within six points of the final playoff spot in the East.

Lehtonen started three out of four games as the Stars recorded four consecutive victories to move into the eighth seed in the Western Conference heading into Monday's action.