Dostal Named NHL Third Star of the Week.

The National Hockey League announced on Monday that Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal had been named the NHL’s third star of the week for January 19–25. Kirill Kaprizov, who recorded nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in four games, and Nikita Kucherov, who tallied eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in three games, earned the first and second star honors, respectively. Dostal, 25, posted a 4-0-0 record with a .925 save percentage and stopped 3.33 goals above expected during the week. He faced 120 shots over four games and allowed just nine goals, helping the Ducks extend their winning streak to seven games heading into Monday night’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. The goaltender had been the cornerstone of the Ducks’ strong 11-3-1 start to the season. While advanced metrics and game flow suggested that the team’s early record may have overstated its play, Dostal’s goaltending performance consistently compensated for the team’s shortcomings. His play dipped slightly from November into the new year, coinciding with a challenging stretch in which the Ducks went 2-11-2 over 15 games, including a nine-game winless streak.

Despite key injuries, Anaheim has regained its form defensively. Dostal currently holds a 19-12-2 record with a .895 save percentage, just .002 below the league average, and has saved 0.7 goals above expected this season. He has started 34 of 52 games and appeared in 35, ranking him tied for seventh among NHL goaltenders in appearances, despite missing nine games due to an upper-body injury.

Dostal secured a five-year contract extension in mid-July with an average annual value of $6.5 million, taking over as the Ducks’ full-time starter following the trade of John Gibson. His play has matched both his status and salary, demonstrating increased skill in game management, puck control, and defensive positioning. Known for his athleticism, angle awareness, and puck-tracking ability, Dostal continues to develop in his third full NHL season. Next month, he will represent Czechia as their starting goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino, marking his seventh appearance for his national team and his Olympic debut.