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Thomas Vanek (photo: Bill Wippert)

The National Hockey League announced today that Buffalo Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has been named the third star for the month of February.

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Audio:  Vanek Interview (WGR 550-AM)

Entering February with 14 goals, Vanek nearly doubled his season scoring output, netting 13 goals in 15 games during the month.

In addition, Vanek added seven helpers, ranking him third among NHL scorers for the month with 20 points.

Vanek recorded six multi-point games, including a pair of hat tricks against the Ottawa Senators Feb. 12 and Tampa Bay Lightning Feb. 20.

Helping the Sabres compile an 8-4-3 record in February, Vanek is third on the team in scoring with 52 points (27+25) on the year.

Pittsburgh Penguins' forward Evgeni Malkin and Dallas Stars' netminder Marty Turco claimed the first and second honors respectively.