Steen, Crosby, Niemi top stars for October
St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and San Jose Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi were named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the month of October.
Steen led all players with 11 goals, scoring in nine of 10 games and on 35.5 percent of his shots on goal, to help the Blues pick up 16 out of a possible 20 points (7-1-2). Steen scored two game-winning goals,
Crosby paced the NHL with 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 13 games to lead the Penguins to first place in the Metropolitan Division. He opened 2013-14 with points in each of his first eight games.
Niemi posted a 9-1-2 record with a 1.72 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and two shutouts in helping the Sharks earn a League-best 22 points (10-1-2). He allowed two or fewer goals in nine of his 12 appearances, including shutout victories over the Detroit Red Wings Oct. 21 (24 saves) and Montreal Canadiens Oct. 26 (22 saves).
San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl, who led all rookies with eight goals and 11 points in 13 games, was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for October.
