Top Plays of the Week by Locked-out NHL Superstars

The NHL lockout shows no sign of coming to an end anytime soon. The league's top stars are well aware and are therefore doing their best to make names for themselves overseas this fall. NHL labor talks will pick back up this week, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, but expectations for a new deal remain low.

Expectations are always high for the NHL's top stars on the ice, however. And whether it's scoring a spectacular goal or making the perfect pass to set up a teammate, these studs are worthy of some recognition for their efforts.

Here, we highlight the top plays of the week from our locked-out NHL superstars.

5. Semin Scores and Assists All on One Play (0:48)

Former Washington Capital Alexander Semin, who has since signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, was the star of a unique play for Torpedo against CSKA Moscow on Friday, getting credit for the assist instead of a goal after the puck struck teammate Mikhail Varnakov. 

It's hard to say whether Semin is the one that scored, but clearly Varnakov had no intention of putting the puck in the net. Regardless, this play was entertaining and kicks off our countdown at No. 5.

4. Datsyuk Threads the Needle on the Power Play (0:25)

Pavel Datsyuk has been a special player for years now, and it's passes like this one against Lokomotiv on Sunday that set him apart from most other players on the planet.

The Detroit Red Wings center has 17 assists in 18 appearances for KHL club CSKA Moscow this season, and is poised to add to that count as the NHL lockout drags on. Datsyuk is just one of a handful of Red Wings players showcasing their talents overseas this fall, but one of only a few who are being noticed.

3. Brunner and Zetterberg Excel in Shootout (1:35)

Detroit Red Wings teammates Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg both came up huge for EV Zug in its shootout win over the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers on Saturday.

Brunner scored the first goal of the shootout and Zetterberg followed it up with another brilliant finish.

The No. 3 play of the week is no doubt a team effort.

2. Ovechkin Wins It in Overtime

Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin proved to be clutch for KHL club Dynamo Moscow on Sunday, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to knock off Dinamo Minsk.

The goal was Ovie's seventh for the club this season. He has 17 points, including 10 assists in 17 KHL appearances in 2012-13. With a scoring punch like his, though, who needs assists?

1. Malkin Scores from His Knees

Reigning NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin showed why he won Hart Memorial Trophy honors playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season with this incredible display of athleticism and talent.

Malkin, who plays for KHL club Metallurg, made the most of a steal against Barys, somehow scoring from his knees with defenders draped all over his back. Malkin is third in the KHL this season in most points scored despite having only played in 21 games.

For this effort, though, he earns top play of the week honors.

Locked-out NHL Leaders Overseas

Damien Brunner and Linus Omark continue to light it up for EV Zug in the Switzerland's National League A this fall, while Evgeni Malkin and Ilya Kovalchuk make their presences felt in the KHL. 

Malkin has 31 points in just 21 games this season, but hasn't come close to Tyler Seguin in terms of goals scored. The Boston Bruins center has 16 goals in just 17 appearances for EHC Biel in 2012-13.

Here we present the NHL leaders overseas as of mid-November. 

*Statistics include NHL players who are playing in the KHL or Switzerland's National League A.

Top Five Point Leaders

Player	Points	Current Club	NHL Club
Damien Brunner	34	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Linus Omark	32	EV Zug	Edmonton Oilers
Evgeni Malkin	31	Metallurg	Pittsburgh Penguins
Ilya Kovalchuk	28	SKA St. Petersburg	New Jersey Devils
Tyler Seguin	28	EHC Biel	Boston Bruins

Top Five Goal Leaders

Player	Goals	Current Club	NHL Club
Tyler Seguin	16	EHC Biel	Boston Bruins
Damien Brunner	12	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Vladimir Tarasenko	10	SKA St. Petersburg	St. Louis Blues
Ilya Kovalchuk	10	SKA St. Petersburg	New Jersey Devils
Evgeni Malkin	10	Metallurg	Pittsburgh Penguins

Top Five Assist Leaders

Player	Assists	Current Club	NHL Club
Linus Omark	23	EV Zug	Edmonton Oilers
Damien Brunner	22	EV Zug	Detroit Red Wings
Evgeni Malkin	21	Metallurg	Pittsburgh Penguins
Ilya Kovalchuk	18	SKA St. Petersburg	New Jersey Devils
Pavel Datsyuk	17	CSKA Moscow	Detroit Red Wings

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.