Russian March in NHL

Two Russians, Ilya Bryzgalov and Evgeny Malkin, have been named the top two stars of March in the NHL.

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov missed the end of the month due to injury, but his outstanding play when healthy earned him recognition as the NHL’s First Star in March.

In 13 games last month, Bryzgalov claimed four shutouts, scored a 94.7 save percentage and led his team to 10 victories.

His three straight shutouts in mid-March tied a club record, and he set the club mark for the longest shutout streak with a run of 249 minutes and 43 seconds.

Bryzgalov was named First Star of the Week for the first two weeks of the month, the first player this season to win the award in consecutive weeks.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeny Malkin was named Second Star. The main contender for the Art Ross Trophy this season had 11 goals and 12 assists in 15 games in March, helping the Pens claim 11 wins.

Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller emerged as the Third Star, being instrumental in his team’s struggle for the playoffs berth in the East.

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