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Flyers' Jake Voracek is NHL's first star this week

For the second straight week, a Flyer has been named the NHL's first star. Right winger Jake Voracek is this week's winner.

For the second straight week, a Flyer has been named the NHL's first star. Right winger Jake Voracek is this week's winner.

Voracek had nine points in four games, including his eighth career overtime goal - and second of the season - in last Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Panthers.

He's the first Flyer to rack up four or more points in consecutive games since Eric Lindros did so on Dec. 31, 1997 and Jan. 3, 1998.

Goalie Steve Mason was the first star recipient last week.

Voracek, 27, has led the Flyers' nine-game winning streak _ the longest in the NHL this season _ by collecting 15 points during their surge.

He has bounced back nicely after what, for him, was a sub-par season last year. He had 55 points last season, 26 points fewer than the previous year (81).

"He looks like he did two years ago," general manager Ron Hextall said before the Flyers scored a 1-0 overtime win in Detroit on Sunday.

Hextall said last year's slump was "typical" for a player after he signs a long contract extension.

"Jake signed a big deal last year, and how many players do you see that try to do more than they are?" he asked. "We paid Jake for what he was, not for something more. You look at the history of the league and there are a lot of guys like that."

He meant players try to justify their hefty contracts.

"I think Jake did feel a little bit of a buden (last year)," Hextall added. "He started pressing and pressing."

Not anymore.