Lehkonen Shines in NHL Comeback
Artturi Lehkonen has made quite an impression since returning to the NHL following offseason shoulder surgery. Missing the season's start couldn't halt his momentum as he swiftly found his scoring stride. Over his last three games, Lehkonen found the net four times, notably achieving his first-ever NHL hat trick against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27. He didn’t stop there, adding another goal against the Jets on New Year's Eve, bringing his December tally to an impressive 10 goals.
For fans of the Montreal Canadiens, where Lehkonen started his NHL journey in the 2016-17 season, this burst of performance is a delightful surprise. His hat trick was a significant milestone, marking his second multi-goal game this season alone. A highlight of his on-ice chemistry was evident when Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski assisted one of his goals, complemented by a quick setup from Nathan MacKinnon.
Lehkonen's transformative move to the Avalanche back in March 2022 has been nothing short of impactful. His contributions were vital in helping Colorado secure the Stanley Cup, further cementing his prowess on the ice.
Eichel Drives Golden Knights' Offense
While Lehkonen dazzles in Colorado, Jack Eichel is proving irreplaceable for the Vegas Golden Knights. Leading with 40 assists and an overall 50 points this season, Eichel continues to be a cornerstone of the team's success. Consistency is key, and Eichel embodies this by logging assists in each of his last five games, including two against the Philadelphia Flyers in their 5-2 victory.
Projected to crush his previous career-high with the Buffalo Sabres, Eichel is on course to record 86 assists. Additionally, the Golden Knights' offensive unit, spearheaded by Eichel, averages a formidable 3.55 goals per game, placing them third in the NHL standings.
Bouchard and Markstrom Making Waves
Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers is quietly making a name for himself as well. Ranking third in points and assists for the team, Bouchard clocks an impressive 23:38 per game of ice time. Over his last trio of matchups, he’s notched a goal and two assists, even as the Oilers suffered a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, showcasing his offensive involvement.
Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom has transitioned smoothly to the New Jersey Devils after being acquired from the Calgary Flames. With a record of 3-1-0, along with a stellar 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage in his recent performances, Markstrom is turning heads. His December stats boast a remarkable 8-1-0 record and a .937 save percentage, helping the Devils climb to the top of the Metropolitan Division, solidifying their position as a top contender.