Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano of Toronto, Ontario has been named the National Hockey League’s first star of the week for the week from January 7-13. In four games, Giordano, the Flames captain. had three goals and five assists for eight points in four games.
Giordano opened the week with an assist on a goal by Johnny Gaudreau in a 4-3 Flames win over the Chicago Blackhawks on January 7. He then had three assists in a 5-3 Flames win over the Colorado Avalanche on January 9, one goal in the Flames 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers on January 11 and two goals and one assist for three points in a 7-1 romp over the Arizona Coyotes on January 13.
Also during that week, Giordano was a remarkable +7 with 13 shots on goal and one power play point. Giordano currently leads the NHL with a +36 and his teammate, T.J. Brodie of Chatham, Ontario is second with a +32.
One could argue that Giordano has been a Norris Trophy candidate. In 45 games, he has nine goals and 38 assists for 47 points. Never before has Giordano averaged more than a point per game in his NHL career. Giordano has also been a strong penalty killer as he has already tied a career high with three shorthanded points.
The Flames meanwhile currently have the best record in the Western Conference. At 30 wins, 13 regulation losses and four losses in extra time, they have 64 points, and the second most in the entire NHL. They only trail the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have 72 points.
Meanwhile, Jordan Binnington of Richmond Hill, Ontario has been named the NHL’s second star. Binnington went 3-0 with a 0.67 goals against average, .974 save percentage and a shutout.
