Lehkonen's Remarkable Return to Form
Artturi Lehkonen has made a sensational return to the National Hockey League after missing the beginning of the season due to offseason shoulder surgery. The Finn's comeback has been nothing short of spectacular, with his recent scoring spree underscoring his impact on the ice.
Lehkonen, who began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016-17 season, moved to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team, notably contributing to Colorado's memorable Stanley Cup victory. However, it is his recent performances that have reminded the league of his formidable presence.
Over his last three games, Lehkonen has found the back of the net four times, capitalizing on the setups provided by teammates like Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon. This scoring streak culminated in a career milestone—a first-ever NHL hat trick against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27. Not content with this achievement, Lehkonen added another goal against the Jets on New Year's Eve, taking his tally for December to a remarkable 10 goals.
This prolific month of play from Lehkonen signals a full recovery and perhaps even a new peak in his career. It's been a month to remember for the forward, helping his team remain competitive in a challenging league.
Eichel's Assist Prowess Propels the Golden Knights
Meanwhile, Jack Eichel continues to be a playmaking powerhouse for the Vegas Golden Knights. Leading the team with 40 assists and 50 points this season, Eichel's form has been instrumental in the Golden Knights' strong performance. His ability to consistently provide assists is exemplified by his runs over recent games, having logged an assist in each of his last five outings.
In a recent 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, Eichel further demonstrated his playmaking abilities with two assists. He is on a trajectory to record 86 assists, which would surpass his previous career-high achieved with the Buffalo Sabres. This level of performance underscores Eichel's crucial role in the offensive framework of the Golden Knights, who currently average 3.55 goals per game, ranking them among the league's elite.
Bouchard's Consistent Contribution for the Oilers
Over in Edmonton, Evan Bouchard has emerged as a significant contributor for the Oilers. Ranking third in points and assists within the team, Bouchard has maintained a consistent presence on the ice, averaging 23:38 minutes per game. Over his last three matchups, he has scored a goal and added two assists, underscoring his steady contribution.
Despite Bouchard's efforts, the Oilers recently faced a 5-3 defeat against the Anaheim Ducks. Nevertheless, his performance remains a bright spot for the team as they look to rebound and make further strides in the NHL standings.
Markstrom Steadies the Ship for the Devils
The New Jersey Devils have also been bolstered by a critical acquisition. Jacob Markstrom, picked up from the Calgary Flames, has been a reliable presence between the pipes. His recent form is impressive, boasting a 3-1-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. In December, Markstrom's stats were even more compelling, recording an 8-1-0 record with a .937 save percentage, helping solidify the Devils' leadership of the Metropolitan Division.
Markstrom's addition has delivered stability and confidence to the Devils' defensive lineup, critical factors as they aim to maintain their position atop the division.
Together, these athletes' exploits offer a vibrant tapestry of form, resilience, and exceptional skill defining this NHL season. As the months progress, their contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative of the league.