(New York = Wongeol Jeong) The National Hockey League has announced its "Three Stars" for the week ending April 9, with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon being named the first star, Seattle Kraken right wing Jordan Eberle the second star, and Florida Panthers goaltender Alex Lyon the third star.

MacKinnon's outstanding performance in four contests helped the Avalanche secure a perfect week and first place in the Central Division. He scored five goals, including three game-winners, and added five assists for a total of 10 points, which tied for the league lead. He also reached the 100-point milestone for the first time in his career, becoming the seventh player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to do so. MacKinnon's clutch play has been a key factor in Colorado's recent success, as he has scored the game-winning goal in five of their last seven games.

Eberle played a pivotal role in the Kraken's perfect week, registering four goals and four assists for a total of eight points. He scored two game-winning goals, including the one that clinched Seattle's first-ever playoff berth in franchise history. Eberle has been a consistent performer for the Kraken all season, ranking among the team's top performers in goals, assists, and points.

Lyon's outstanding play in net helped the Panthers secure three wins in as many games, moving them into the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. Lyon stopped 117 of the 122 shots he faced, finishing the week with a 3-0-0 record, a 1.67 goals-against average, and a .959 save percentage. He made a career-high 56 saves in a 7-2 win over the Ottawa Senators and has been instrumental in the Panthers' recent six-game winning streak.

In conclusion, MacKinnon, Eberle, and Lyon have all demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in their respective roles, earning them recognition as the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending April 9. Their performances have helped their teams secure important victories and positions in the playoff race.