Ovechkin selected as one of NHL's 'Three Stars' of week

Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin was named one of the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Sunday. He led all scorers for the week with six points (four goals, two assists) as the Capitals (4-2-2) gained five points and moved into first place in the Southeast Division. Ovechkin began the week by recording two assists in a 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils Oct. 12. He recorded two goals in a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks Thursday and tallied two more plus the shootout winner in a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators Saturday. Ovechkin is the NHL leader in goals (nine), points (16) and shots (61) in eight games - all three on a pace significantly higher than his career average. The other two players honored by the league were Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson.

Move: The Capitals assigned forward Keith Aucoin to the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced Monday. Aucoin, 30, is a ninth-year pro. He was recalled to Washington on Thursday and played in two games for the Capitals. He has played in four games for Hershey this year and has one goal and four assists. Last season Aucoin recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in 12 games with Washington, including five points (two goals, three assists) in the final seven games of the season.