In a dramatic resurgence marked by perseverance and skill, NHL forward Artturi Lehkonen has made headlines with an extraordinary scoring run following a challenging offseason. Lehkonen, who needed shoulder surgery during the offseason, missed the start of the NHL season but has returned with remarkable vigor, hitting his stride in Decembe.
Lehkonen’s Scoring Streak
Lehkonen's impressive performance reached a peak when he achieved his first-ever NHL hat trick against the Utah Hockey Club on December 27. This achievement was a highlight of his December campaign, which saw him score a total of 10 goals. His scoring prowess did not stop there; Lehkonen registered another goal against the Winnipeg Jets during their New Year's Eve matchup, rounding off a month to remember.
Adding to his notable performances, Lehkonen notched four goals in his last three games. His second multi-goal game of the season, marked by another hat trick, demonstrated that his return from surgery was not only complete but formidable. With an assist from teammates Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon, Lehkonen's capabilities were on full display.
A Journey from Montreal to Colorado
Lehkonen commenced his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016-17 season. His journey took a significant turn when he moved to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022. Lehkonen's transition paid dividends as he contributed to Colorado's Stanley Cup victory. His recent performances confirm his value to the Avalanche and the continuing promise of his career.
Jack Eichel’s Continuous Contribution
While Lehkonen steals the spotlight in Colorado, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights is making waves with his consistent playmaking abilities. Eichel leads his team with 40 assists and 50 points this season, a testament to his offensive acumen. He has assisted in each of his last five games, including two during the Golden Knights' 5-2 triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Projected to reach 86 assists, this would surpass his previous career-high set during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres. The Golden Knights are currently in top form, averaging 3.55 goals per game and securing third place in the NHL standings, thanks in no small part to Eichel’s invaluable contributions.
Evan Bouchard’s Impact
Meanwhile, Evan Bouchard stands out as a significant contributor on the Edmonton Oilers’ roster. As the third-leading player in points and assists for the Oilers, Bouchard also logs an impressive 23:38 of ice time per game. He managed to score a goal and two assists across his last three matchups. Despite these efforts, the Oilers faced a setback with a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks but Bouchard’s impact remains palpable.
Markstrom Fueling the Devils
Elsewhere, Jacob Markstrom has fortified the New Jersey Devils’ squad since being acquired from the Calgary Flames. His recent stats include a record of 3-1-0, achieved alongside a remarkable 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. These performances have been crucial in reinforcing the Devils' position at the summit of the Metropolitan Division. Markstrom’s December record was particularly striking, with an 8-1-0 win-loss tally and a .937 save percentage, underscoring his critical role in the Devils’ current success.
These athletes, from Lehkonen to Markstrom, embody the caliber and dedication required to excel in the NHL. Their recent performances not only highlight their individual talents but also significantly contribute to their respective teams' achievements and aspirations this season.