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Vanek takes top NHL weekly honor

Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek (26), shown in a January 2008 file photo, was the NHL's first star of the week, the league announced Monday. (UPI Photo/Jerome Davis)
Buffalo Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek (26), shown in a January 2008 file photo, was the NHL's first star of the week, the league announced Monday. (UPI Photo/Jerome Davis) | License Photo

NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Buffalo left wing Thomas Vanek, who is off to the best points start of his career, was selected the top NHL player of the week Monday.

The NHL each week selects three top stars for the previous week's play. In addition to Vanek, Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom and Dallas left wing Fabian Brunnstrom were honored for their play in games Oct. 13-19.

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Vanek had six goals and two assists as the Sabres went 3


1 during the week. He has 9 points through five games, which marks the best start of his career. His six goals led the NHL last week.

Backstrom went 3


0 with a 1.30 goals against average. He had one shutout among the three road wins for the Wild last week.

Brunnstrom had a hat trick in his NHL debut Wednesday. He is the third player in NHL history to have three goals in his first NHL game.

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