Lehkonen's Remarkable Return
Artturi Lehkonen’s return to the NHL has been nothing short of spectacular. After missing the start of the season due to offseason shoulder surgery, Lehkonen quickly found his rhythm with the Colorado Avalanche. His performance through December demonstrates a striking comeback, highlighted by a personal milestone achievement.
The Finnish winger scored four goals over his last three games in December, a month where he netted a total of 10 goals. Among these performances, his first-ever NHL hat trick stood out. On December 27, he electrified fans with his three-goal performance against the Utah Hockey Club, a feat that marked his second multi-goal game of the season.
Adding to his December achievements, Lehkonen scored a pivotal goal against the Jets on New Year’s Eve, further proving his offensive impact since his return. Integral to these successes were contributions from teammates like Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon, who each assisted Lehkonen during December's thrilling games.
Lehkonen began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2016-17 season before being traded to the Avalanche in March 2022. His move proved fruitful as he played an essential role in Colorado's quest for the Stanley Cup. Lehkonen’s recent performances will likely keep him under the spotlight as the Avalanche push further into the season.
Eichel Driving the Golden Knights
Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights continues to deliver impressive numbers. Currently, he leads the team with 40 assists and 50 points this season. Eichel's recent form saw him logging assists in each of his last five games, which included two assists during a commanding 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Eichel’s playmaking prowess not only establishes him as a key player for the Golden Knights but also places him on pace to surpass his previous career-high with the Buffalo Sabres, projecting a remarkable 86 assists. The Golden Knights, benefiting from Eichel's contributions, currently average 3.55 goals per game, ranking them third in the NHL standings.
Bouchard's Impact with the Oilers
Evan Bouchard has emerged as a significant asset for the Edmonton Oilers. Ranking third in points and assists for the team, Bouchard consistently plays a crucial role, averaging 23:38 of ice time per game. His recent outings culminated in a goal and two assists over his last three matchups. However, the Oilers recently faced a setback with a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, indicating areas for improvement as the season progresses.
Markstrom Bolsters the Devils
Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom's transition to the New Jersey Devils from the Calgary Flames has proven to be a strategic acquisition. Markstrom boasts a solid recent record of 3-1-0, with an impressive 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. His dominant performance throughout December—an 8-1-0 record and a .937 save percentage—has played a pivotal role in the Devils’ ascent to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings.
As the NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on these key players. Lehkonen, Eichel, Bouchard, and Markstrom continue to showcase stellar performances, promising an exciting journey for their respective teams. Each, in their way, is pushing the boundaries and redefining expectations, confirming the league's dynamic nature and the ever-evolving talent within the NHL.