Hold on to your hats, hockey fans! Because the NHL just dropped its 'Three Stars of the Week,' and let me tell you, the selections are guaranteed to spark some debate around the water cooler. Was it the right call? Did your favorite player get snubbed? Let's dive in and break down who earned the coveted spots for the week ending January 4th, 2026.
Kucherov Shines Brightest (Again!)
NHL Public Relations has announced that Tampa Bay Lightning's electrifying right winger, Nikita Kucherov, Pittsburgh Penguins' legendary captain Sidney Crosby, and Toronto Maple Leafs' goal-scoring machine Auston Matthews have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' presented by GEICO.
Taking the coveted 'First Star' honors for the second consecutive week is none other than Nikita Kucherov. This guy is on fire! He racked up an incredible 3 goals and 7 assists, totaling 10 points, in just three games. Kucherov's performance was instrumental in propelling the Lightning to a seven-game winning streak (a streak that began way back on December 20th, showing their consistent dominance) and, more importantly, into the top spot in both the Atlantic Division and the entire Eastern Conference. Talk about a statement!
His week included a five-point explosion in Southern California, featuring a 1 goal, 1 assist performance in a 4-3 overtime thriller against the Anaheim Ducks on New Year's Eve, followed by a 1 goal, 2 assist outing in a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on New Year's Day. He then capped off the week with a mind-blowing 1 goal, 4 assist performance in a 7-3 dismantling of the San Jose Sharks. That's his eighth career five-point game, folks!
At 32 years old, and already boasting the last two Art Ross Trophies (and three overall!), Kucherov is currently fourth in the NHL with a staggering 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points in only 37 games. He’s riding a seven-game point streak (matching the Lightning's win streak), with six consecutive multi-point games and goals in his last five appearances. Kucherov's dominance extends to other key stats too. He's among the league leaders in even-strength assists (4th with 26), even-strength points (4th with 41), total assists (tied for 4th with 39), power-play points (tied for 8th with 18), power-play assists (tied for 9th with 13), even-strength goals (tied for 15th with 15), and overall goals (tied for 17th with 20). Is there anything this guy can't do?
Crosby's Still Got It
Earning the 'Second Star' is the ageless wonder himself, Sidney Crosby. At 38 years young, Crosby continues to defy Father Time, posting 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in four games. Crosby's leadership and scoring touch helped the Penguins achieve a perfect week, propelling them into the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference.
Crosby ignited the week with the opening goal in a decisive 5-1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. He then followed up with a pair of stellar performances against the Detroit Red Wings, notching 2 goals and 1 assist in a 4-3 nail-biter, including the primary assist on Kris Letang's overtime winner. He added two more assists in a subsequent 4-1 triumph over the Red Wings. Crosby finished the week with a dramatic 1 goal and 1 assist in a thrilling 5-4 comeback win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, assisting on the tying goal in the dying seconds of regulation before scoring his 25th career overtime goal (and earning his 50th career overtime point!).
Currently riding a seven-game point streak (5-7—12), Crosby sits 14th in the league with 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points in 41 games. And remember, this is his 21st season in the NHL! Crosby also ranks among the league's elite in goals (tied for 5th with 24), power-play goals (tied for 5th with 9), and shooting percentage (6th with an incredible 24.2%).
Matthews Makes History
Rounding out the 'Three Stars' is Toronto Maple Leafs' superstar center, Auston Matthews. Matthews had an absolutely monumental week, highlighted by overtaking Mats Sundin as the Maple Leafs' all-time leading goal scorer! He shared the league lead with five goals in just two games (5-1—6), helping the Maple Leafs to a 2-0-1 record for the week.
After missing a game against the New Jersey Devils, Matthews returned with a vengeance, exploding for 3 goals and 1 assist (including his 14th career hat trick, the most ever by a U.S.-born player, and his 66th career game-winning goal) in a 6-5 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. He then etched his name in Maple Leafs history by scoring his 420th and 421st career goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders, surpassing Sundin on the franchise's all-time goals list and reaching the 20-goal mark for the 10th consecutive season.
At 28 years old, the three-time Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy winner is one of just 23 players to reach the 20-goal plateau this season (20-13—33 in 35 games). Since his NHL debut in 2016-17, no one has found the back of the net more than Matthews. His 421 career goals are a whopping 23 more than the next closest player!
GEICO's "Fourth Star"
Don't forget about GEICO's "Fourth Star" program, which recognizes the incredible fans who fuel their teams with unmatched energy and passion. Click here to relive the best moments from last season's "Fourth Star" videos.
So, what do you think of the NHL's 'Three Stars' selections for the week? Did the league get it right? Or was there another player who deserved recognition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And a final, potentially controversial thought: With Kucherov's dominance, is he now the clear favorite for the Hart Trophy? Or is Crosby's continued excellence still in the conversation? Let's hear it!
