Justin Abdelkader named NHL first star of the week

By @StefanKubus –

As Detroit head coach Jeff Blashill said after Friday night’s season-opening victory over Toronto, Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader got “off on the right foot” to start the season. For his efforts in the Red Wings’ first two contests, Abdelkader was named the NHL’s first star of the week.

The former Spartan potted a hat trick in the contest and scored once again the next night in Carolina. He currently sits atop the NHL in goal-scoring, tied with the Rangers’ Oscar Lindberg and Minnesota’s Zach Parise.  Abdelkader also sits second in points, with five, as he also recorded a helper in Saturday night’s come-from-behind win over the Hurricanes.

Last season, Abdelkader set career-high marks across the board with 23 goals and 21 assists for 44 points in 71 games and seems well on his way to setting new career-highs.

MORE: Justin Abdelkader named Michi-gamer for Oct. 12

Watch Abdelkader’s opening-night hat trick: