NEW YORK, N.Y. - Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov is the NHL first star of the week.

Varlamov posted a 4-0-0 record with a 0.99 goals-against average and .972 save percentage to lift the Avalanche into the first wild card spot in the Western Conference. He made 30 or more saves in three of his four starts.

Varlamov has powered the Avalanche's playoff push, posing a 13-4-2 record over his past 19 games.

New Jersey right-wing Lee Stempniak is the second star after scoring four goals in the Devils' three wins last week.

St. Louis goaltender Brian Elliott went 2-1-1 with a 1.48 goals-against average and .955 save percentage to take third-star honours.