NEW YORK – Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat, who led all rookies with 16 points (5-11—16) in 16 games, has been named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for March.

Palat edged Calgary Flames center Joe Colborne (6-5—11 in 16 games), Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (3-8—11 in 14 games), Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad (1 10—11 in 17 games) and Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Tyler Johnson (5-5—10 in 16 games) for the award.

Palat, 23, recorded at least one point in nine of 16 games, including a five-game assist/point streak March 8-17 (4-5—9), his third point streak of five or more games this season. He also posted six multi-point performances, including his second career multi-goal and three-point game March 10 vs. PHX (2-1—3).

Palat, a native of Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic, was selected by the Lightning in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. He has played in 75 games this season, ranking second among rookies in assists (32) and points (51) while placing fourth in goals (19). He also is tied for the lead among first-year players with 36 points (13-23—36) in 36 games since Jan. 1.

Palat, who also earned Rookie of the Month honors in January, joins San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (October), Nashville Predators goaltender Marek Mazanec (November), and Los Angeles Kings goaltender Martin Jones and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Raanta (December co winners) as recipients of the award this season.

Ondrej Palat in March