The NHL announced Monday that Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov has been named the league's first star for the week ending Dec. 20.
Varlamov went 3-0-0 in the last seven days, recording a 0.67 goals-against average and a .981 save percentage (101-of-103). He has allowed one goal or fewer in each of his previous three starts.
The Samara, Russia, native began the week by topping the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 on the road. The win, coming against the defending Stanley Cup champions, helped keep the Avalanche on track for its current season-high five-game win streak.