Artturi Lehkonen's Stellar Comeback to the NHL
After an offseason marked by shoulder surgery, Artturi Lehkonen’s return to the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable. The Finnish forward, who started his career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016-17 season, showed resilience and prowess as he bounced back from missing the start of the season.
Lehkonen, now skating for the Colorado Avalanche after his move in March 2022, contributed significantly to the team’s Stanley Cup victory. His recent performance is a testament to his growing influence on the ice. December, in particular, was a prolific month for him, during which he notched an impressive 10 goals.
One of the highlights of Lehkonen’s December was achieving his first-ever NHL hat trick against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27. He then added another goal against the Jets on New Year's Eve, solidifying his offensive prowess with four goals over three games. This exceptional scoring run also included his second multi-goal game of the season, once again underscoring his knack for finding the back of the net.
Supporting Lehkonen in his recent scoring feats were teammates Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon, who each provided critical assists. Malinski’s assistance and MacKinnon’s set-up play were pivotal in enhancing Lehkonen's offensive output, exemplifying the collaborative spirit within the Avalanche squad.
Jack Eichel Steering the Golden Knights
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights has been another player grabbing headlines. Currently leading his team with 40 assists and 50 points this season, Eichel has consistently set the pace for the Golden Knights as they navigate the competitive NHL landscape. Eichel’s consistency is highlighted by his ability to log assists in each of his last five games, including a standout performance with two assists in a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Eichel's proficiency in setting up goals projects him to record an impressive 86 assists, a figure that would eclipse his previous career-high during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres. His contributions have been a significant factor in the Golden Knights' offensive success, helping them maintain an average of 3.55 goals per game, ranking them third in the NHL standings.
Evan Bouchard: A Key Player for the Oilers
Across the league, Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers continues to be a crucial figure for his team, ranking third in both points and assists. With an average of 23:38 per game of ice time, Bouchard is one of the Oilers' key assets. His recent output includes a goal and two assists over his last three matchups, even as the Oilers endured a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Jacob Markstrom Secures the Net for the Devils
On the East Coast, the New Jersey Devils have been bolstered by the acquisition of Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. Markstrom has displayed stellar form, boasting a record of 3-1-0 with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage recently. His December statistics, including an 8-1-0 record with a .937 save percentage, underscore his critical role in ensuring the Devils lead the Metropolitan Division.
Across the NHL, these standout performances highlight the dynamic talent and competitive spirit fueling the league's thrilling narrative this season. As teams vie for dominance, players like Lehkonen, Eichel, Bouchard, and Markstrom continue to deliver performances that captivate fans and fortify their reputation as key contributors in their respective teams' quests for glory.