For his strong play on the ice and his resolve off of it, Craig Anderson has been named the NHL's first star for the week ending October 30th.

In Anderson's two starts during the past 7 days he was unbeatable, turning aside all 59 shots he faced against the Canucks and Oilers to record back-to-back shutouts. Anderson's 37 saves last night in Edmonton were also a season-high for him and have grown his record on the year to 5-1-0.

You just knew that he wouldn't be beaten tonight. #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/AKo0Ya387p - Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 31, 2016

While his on-ice prowess definitely merits recognition on its own, it was his composure away from the rink that really makes this award special. Just two days ago, Sens general manager Pierre Dorion announced that Anderson's wife Nicholle had been diagnosed with cancer and that he would be taking a personal leave from the team to attend to his family. After an injury to Andrew Hammond on Friday, Nicholle Anderson urged her husband to return to the team for the conclusion of their 3-game western road trip which culminated in an impassioned 2-0 victory in Edmonton on Sunday night.

"I'll be honest with you, I'm speechless." said an emotional Guy Boucher reflecting back on Anderson's shutout win against the Oilers. "It's one of those special moments."

Right in the feels. pic.twitter.com/6wVdeacFNW - Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 31, 2016

Craig Anderson and the Sens are back in action at home tomorrow night against the Carolina Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m.