Elias Lindholm named NHL’s first star of the week

Lindholm ranked second in the NHL with 4-4—8, collecting goals and multiple points in all three of his appearances to help the Flames (29-13-6, 64 points) move into first place in the Pacific Division via their ninth straight win dating to Jan. 29. He opened the week with consecutive three-point performances, posting 1-2—3 in a 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Feb. 15 and 2-1—3 (including the winning goal) in a 6-2 triumph against the Anaheim Ducks Feb. 16. Lindholm added 1-1—2, highlighted by his second straight decisive goal and fifth of the season, in a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken Feb. 19. The 27-year-old Boden, Sweden, native – who has points in each game during Calgary’s current win streak (8-7—15 in 9 GP) – has scored in a career-high seven consecutive contests (8-4—12), one shy of the franchise record shared by Kent Nilsson and Gary Roberts. Lindholm is producing at a point-per-game pace overall in 2021-22, placing third on the Flames with 22-26—48 in 48 games and second in entire the League with a +38 rating – behind only teammate Johnny Gaudreau (+40).