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Chicago Blackhawks rookie forward Artemi Panarin earned the No. 1 start of the week honor, the league announced Monday.
Panarin, the front runner for the Calder Trophy, led the league with eight points (three goals and five assists) in three games, helping the defending Stanley Cup champions clinch its eighth consecutive playoff berth. The 24-year-old Russian sensation has 28 goals and 44 assists this season. His 72 points rank him 10th in the league. If Panarin holds on to a top-10 position in scoring among forwards, he'll receive a $1.725 million bonus.
San Jose Sharks' Brent Burns and Pittsburgh Penguins rookie goaltender Matt Murray also earned league honors. Burns scored a goal and added six assists. Murray, who filled in for a concussed Marc-Andre Fleury, posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.95 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.
The Hawks are back in action Tuesday when they host the Arizona Coyotes at the United Center.