As the NHL season progresses, several players across the league are leaving indelible marks on the ice. Among them is Artturi Lehkonen, whose remarkable return from offseason shoulder surgery has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite missing the start of the season, Lehkonen quickly found his rhythm, delivering standout performances for the Colorado Avalanche.
Lehkonen's Stellar December
Lehkonen's resurgence was prominent in December. Scoring a total of 10 goals over the month, his offensive prowess was pivotal for the Avalanche. His first-ever NHL hat trick came against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27, marking a significant milestone in his career. He followed this up with another goal against the Jets on New Year's Eve, concluding the month with an impressive tally.
The Finnish forward began his NHL journey with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016-17 season before moving to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022. His transition proved to be fortuitous for both him and the team, as he played a crucial role in helping Colorado secure the Stanley Cup. Lehkonen's recent form suggests that he is on course to make significant contributions once again.
In recent games, Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon have been instrumental in Lehkonen’s scoring success, each assisting in his multi-goal games. Lehkonen's chemistry with his teammates continues to flourish, making him a formidable offensive threat.
Eichel's Assist Dominance
Meanwhile, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights is making strides of his own. Eichel currently leads his team with 40 assists and 50 points this season, logging assists in each of his last five games, including two during the Golden Knights' 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Eichel's playmaking abilities have been a key factor in positioning the Golden Knights to average 3.55 goals per game, earning them a strong third place in the NHL standings.
Eichel is projected to surpass his previous career-high for assists, set during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres, with an expected 86 assists. His vision and ability to find open teammates have transformed the Golden Knights’ offensive dynamics.
Bouchard's Steady Contribution
The Edmonton Oilers have their own standout performer in Evan Bouchard, who ranks third in points and assists for the team. Averaging 23:38 of ice time per game, Bouchard has shown remarkable endurance and skill. Despite the Oilers’ 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, Bouchard's contributions remain significant, scoring a goal and two assists over his last three matchups.
Markstrom's Goaltending Excellence
In New Jersey, Jacob Markstrom has become a vital asset for the Devils after being acquired from the Calgary Flames. Sporting an impressive record of 3-1-0 with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage recently, Markstrom is proving to be a defensive stalwart. His December stats are even more remarkable, recording an 8-1-0 record with a .937 save percentage, which has been pivotal in propelling the Devils to the top of the Metropolitan Division.
With players like Lehkonen, Eichel, Bouchard, and Markstrom making significant contributions, the NHL season is poised for exciting developments. These athletes continue to push the boundaries of the game, delivering performances that capture the essence of competitive sports and inspire fans around the world.