The Week Ahead

With the NHL All-Star festivities set to take place this week, it is time to look at the week that was in the National Hockey League. As always, we will tell you our "Three Stars of the Week", "Three Players to Keep an Eye On", "2 Teams to Watch", "Game of the Week" and "Other Games to Keep an Eye on".

Three Stars of the Week

1) Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

No one has stepped up more in Sidney Crosby's absence that Evgeni Malkin. In four games last week, Malkin had five goals and seven points. He was an absolute beast all week, especially in his three-point performance against Washington on Sunday. He's the best player in the world right now.

2) John Tavares, New York Islanders

With a 12-game point streak, Tavares is on a tear right now. Last week he tallied four goals and six points, contributing to three Islanders victories in four games. Tavares scored game-winners against the Capitals and Hurricanes, as well.

3) Pekka Rinne, Nashville Preadtors

The Nashville Predators have been an extremely tough hockey club to beat lately. One of the main reasons for that has been the play of goaltender Pekka Rinne. This week, Rinne won three games, allowed just three goals and picked up a shutout. He had a .969 save percentage in the three victories.

Three Players to Keep an Eye on

- Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

It is clear that the Buffalo Sabres are struggling this season. One of the main reasons for their struggles has been the play of their starting netminder Ryan Miller.

In 29 games, Miller is 11-15-2 with a 3.15 goals against average (GAA), a .897 save percentage and 1 shutout. These are numbers that the Sabres and Miller are not used to and as such, the Sabres have one frustrated goaltender on their hands.

This week, Miller and the Sabres will take on the New Jersey Devils.

- Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

Is there a goaltending controversy brewing in Chicago? With the way starter Corey Crawford has played and backup Ray Emery has performed, there very well might be.

Crawford is 18-11-4 with a 2.88 GAA and a .902 save percentage. Emery is 11-3-2 with a 2.57 GAA and a .907 save percentage. The numbers from these two netminders are not exactly top of the line, which has forced coach Joel Quenneville.

This week, the Blackhawks will take on the Nashville Predators.

- Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks seem to be turning their season around with their great play of late. One of the reasons for their success has been Jonas Hiller in net.

In his last seven starts, Hiller is 6-0-1. In that time, Hiller has a .950 save percentage and 1.42 GAA with one shutout. The Ducks goaltender got off to a rough start, but his improved play should help the Ducks go on a bit of a run here in the second half.

This week, the Ducks will take on the Dallas Stars.

Two Teams to Watch

- Toronto Maple Leafs

For a team and an organization that has high hopes, the Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly struggling to meet the high hopes of its giant fan base.

For awhile this season, it seemed like the Leafs had a firm hold on one of the top eight spots in the Eastern Conference. However, with its recent skid and lackluster play, the Leafs currently find themselves in the ninth spot in the Conference, one point out of a playoff spot.

This week, the Leafs will take on the Islanders in a home and home series.

- Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks may not be in a playoff spot right now in the competitive Western Conference but they are certainly doing their best to make things interesting.

In the team's last 10 games, the Ducks are 7-2-1. They are doing that with good goaltending, getting lots of goals up and down the line-up and playing smart on both sides of the puck.

This week, the Ducks will take on the Dallas Stars.

Game of the Week

Tuesday, January 24 -- Boston Bruins @ Washington Capitals

With the Boston Bruins in the second spot in the Eastern Conference and the Washington Capitals just two points behind the Southeast Division leading Florida Panthers, both teams will certainly be competing hard before heading into the NHL All-Star break. Both teams have offense and both teams can play smart defensively so it should be a terrific game.

Other Games to Keep an Eye On

Monday, January 23

St. Louis @ Detroit
Ottawa @ Los Angeles

Tuesday, January 24

Boston @ Washington

Philadelphia @ Florida
Nashville @ Chicago

Wednesday, January 25

Detroit @ Montreal

Sunday, January 29

NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa

Photo credit: Getty Images