In the ever-dynamic world of the NHL, Artturi Lehkonen has emerged as a key figure following a challenging offseason that saw him undergo shoulder surgery. The Finnish winger, known for his tenacity and knack for finding the back of the net, was sidelined at the start of the season, but his return has been nothing short of spectacular.
Lehkonen's Remarkable Return
Lehkonen's comeback made an immediate impact as he netted four goals over his last three games. This impressive run included his long-awaited first-ever NHL hat trick, achieved against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27. His ability to maintain momentum wasn't limited to that day, as he swiftly added another goal to his tally in a New Year's Eve showdown with the Jets.
December has been a month of milestones for Lehkonen, who recorded a total of 10 goals, underscoring his critical role in the Colorado Avalanche's offensive setup. His goal spree included his second multi-goal game of the season, a testament to his offensive capabilities and versatility on the ice. Supported by deft setups from teammates like Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon, Lehkonen’s performance has helped propel the Avalanche through critical matchups.
Lehkonen began his NHL journey with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2016-17 season. Since moving to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022, he has continued to shine, even playing a pivotal role in the team’s Stanley Cup victory.
Jack Eichel's Playmaking Excellence
While Lehkonen's goal-scoring prowess has captured headlines, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights has been dazzling with his playmaking skills. As a leading figure in the Golden Knights roster, Eichel has contributed a remarkable 40 assists and 50 points this season. His consistent performance has seen him logging assists in each of his last five games, notably bagging two assists in a decisive 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Eichel is on track to surpass his previous career high milestone with the Buffalo Sabres, projected to record an impressive 86 assists. The Golden Knights, buoyed by Eichel’s contributions, currently average 3.55 goals per game, a statistic that places them third in the NHL standings.
Evan Bouchard's Consistent Impact
Meanwhile, Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers continues to make his mark, ranking third in both points and assists for his team. With an average ice time of 23:38 per game, Bouchard remains a staple in the Oilers’ defense, consistently contributing to the team’s offensive thrust. In his recent games, he has notched up a goal and two assists. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the Oilers from slipping to a 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks.
Jacob Markstrom Shines for Devils
Goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom has made significant strides since his acquisition by the New Jersey Devils from the Calgary Flames. His recent performances reflect a 3-1-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. December saw him compile an impressive 8-1-0 record, alongside a commendable .937 save percentage, solidifying his role in the Devils' rise in the Metropolitan Division standings.
As the NHL season progresses, these players stand out not only for their contributions to their teams but also for their individual skills that bring depth and excitement to the game. Artturi Lehkonen’s resilience and return to form, Jack Eichel’s playmaking artistry, Evan Bouchard’s dependable presence, and Jacob Markstrom’s goalkeeping prowess offer fans much to anticipate as the action unfolds on the ice.