MICHIGAN STARS

Five players off to fast starts this season:


Paul Stastny, Colorado : The 21-year-old center had a hat trick in the season-opener, a 4-3 victory over Dallas a week ago. Then, after the Avalanche were blanked by Nashville on Thursday, Stastny came back for a five-point night (goal and four assists) in a 6-2 win over San Jose.

Mike Comrie, Islanders : The former Michigan star was the fourth player in NHL history to score four or more goals during the first two games while playing for a new team. He had two goals and two assists in his Islanders' debut, a 6-4 win over Buffalo and former Michigan State Hobey Baker goalie Ryan Miller on Friday. He had two third-period goals the next night in his home debut, a 3-2 win over Miller and the Sabres. "Comrie wanted to be the go-to guy when he came in here, and he's done that," Islanders coach Ted Nolan said.

Chris Mason, Nashville : The goaltender is the main reason the Predators are off to a 2-0 start. He made 35 saves in the season opener, blanking Paul Stastny and Colorado 4-0 on Thursday. He saved 28 of 29 shots Saturday in a 5-1 win over Dallas and is now 2-0 with a 0.50 goals-against average and .984 save percentage.

Mike Cammalleri, Los Angeles : The former Michigan All-American had success in London in a two-game series against the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks. He had two goals in a season-opening 4-1 win Sept. 29, and added a goal in the 4-1 loss the following night. He came back to the U.S. and had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 loss to St. Louis on Saturday.

Martin Gerber, Ottawa : Gerber has led the Senators to a 4-0 record. He has earned the win in all of the games, posting a 1.73 GAA and .949 save percentage. He had a 2-0 shutout Saturday against the Rangers, making 35 saves for his eighth career shutout. The Senators' penalty killing unit is 21-for-21.