That may not be the best Chuck Norris joke you have come across, but it is just one of the many you can expect to hear in Dallas after the Stars’ goaltender Kari Lehtonen unveiled his all new Chuck Norris inspired mask.  What better design for the Dallas keeper than Walker Texas Ranger himself?

So what does Kari plan to do about scuffs and puck marks?  Nothing!  After all, pucks don’t leave their mark on Chuck Norris.  He leaves his mark on them.

Hat Tip – [Puck Daddy]

This week’s honorable mention goes to Loui Eriksson of the Dallas Stars. Last week Loui posted 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points with one of those points coming on the power play. He also registered 12 shots on goal, 2 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-4 and one game winning goal. Eriksson was a super sleeper last year and could be labeled as one again this year as he’s a 40+ goal candidate this season.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 22.

3rd Star – Kari Lehtonen (G), Atlanta Thrashers

Has had a less than stellar season so far with only 15 wins and a 3.08 GAA, but Kari Lehtonen has shown flashes of promise. Last week we saw one of those flashes as Kari collected 2 wins while posting a 2.01 GAA, .932 SAV% and 1 shutout. Lehtonen isn’t one of the top fantasy goaltenders but if you’re still looking for some goaltending help and he’s available on waivers he might be worth a pickup.

2nd Star – Mike Ribeiro (C), Dallas Stars

With Brad Richards out of the lineup for the last couple of weeks Mike Ribeiro has become the Stars’ go-to guy at centre and he hasn’t disappointed. Last week Mike scored 2 goals and added 4 assists for 6 points with 3 of those points coming on the power play. He also registered just 4 shots on goal, 8 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of plus-2. Like his fellow teammate, Loui Eriksson, Ribeiro is a bit of a sleeper as his name doesn’t make you jump up and down but he recorded 82 points last year and is on pace for 74 points this season.

1st Star – Eric Staal (C), Carolina Hurricanes

It’s amazing what one trade can do for a team and/or player. After re-acquiring Erik Cole the Hurricanes have caught fire and so has Eric Staal. Last week Eric potted 5 goals and had 4 assists for 9 points with 1 of those points coming on the power play. He also registered 17 shots on goal, 2 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of plus-5.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 23.

5.  Atlanta Thrashers Season Preview

A bit of a shock here but after losing key players in Marian Hossa and Mark Recchi matched with their goaltending issues I don’t see this team being very competitive this year.

Ilya Kovalchuk is the only name that catches your eye when it comes to Atlanta’s forwards.  Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen will be looked upon to make up some of the secondary scoring. Vyacheslav Kozlov took a big step backwards last year and Jason Williams is a fast two-way player but struggled with injuries last season. Bryan Little seems to be the only bright spot when it comes to their younger forwards.

Their defence isn’t bad but their top players are offensive minded with Tobias Enstrom, Mathieu Schneider and Ron Hainsey.  Garnet Exelby and Niclas Havelid supply the steady defensive play and Nathan Oystrick is an unknown and will look to translate his solid AHL numbers to NHL this season.  Zach Bogosian will be a great defenceman in the future but wont play a big part this season unless they run into injury issues.

Goal is their biggest issue.  So far Kari Lehtonen hasn’t lived up to potential and Johan Hedberg is a good goalie, but not good enough if you want to challenge for the playoffs.

Their lack of high quality forwards and unstability in net will have this team cheering on their buddies in the playoffs this year.