John Tavares the NHL's First Star of the month

John Tavares of the Islanders gets a congratulatory pat for... — John Tavares of the Islanders gets a congratulatory pat for his game tying second period goal from teammate Kyle Okpose. (Jan. 21, 2012) Credit: David Pokress

By NEWSDAY.COMFebruary 2, 2012

John Tavares received top player honors in January, named the NHL's First Star of the Month.

Tavares led the league in scoring in January, finishing with 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points. He has 53 points on the season, fourth in the league.

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (12 goals, four assists) was named the Second Star, and Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (1.92 goals against) was the Third Star.

The Islanders went 7-5-1 in Januardy, including wins in five of their last eight games. They are 20-22-7 on the year, 13th place in the Eastern Conference, and 10 points behind the Devils for eighth.