Artturi Lehkonen: A Remarkable Return to the NHL
Artturi Lehkonen is back in action, and the NHL is taking notice. After undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, Lehkonen missed the start of the season, but he's certainly making up for lost time. The Finnish forward has been on a tear, netting four goals in his last three appearances. His crowning achievement came on December 27, when he secured his first-ever NHL hat trick against the Utah Hockey Club.
Lehkonen's Stellar December Performance
December proved to be a spectacular month for Lehkonen, as he notched a total of 10 goals. On New Year's Eve, he found the back of the net once again, this time against the Jets. Notably, Sam Malinski and Nathan MacKinnon were pivotal contributors in setting up two of his recent goals. It's been quite the journey for Lehkonen, who first stepped onto the NHL ice with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2016-17 season. His move to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2022 has only bolstered his career, as he played a key role in their Stanley Cup victory.
Jack Eichel's Consistent Contributions
Meanwhile, over in Vegas, Jack Eichel is leading the charge for the Golden Knights with an impressive 40 assists and 50 points this season. Eichel has demonstrated his playmaking prowess with assists in each of his last five games, including a couple during the Knights' 5-2 triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers. As the season progresses, he's projected to surpass his previous career-high assist total from his days with the Buffalo Sabres, aiming for 86 assists.
Evan Bouchard and Jacob Markstrom Impress
In Edmonton, defenseman Evan Bouchard is making waves, ranking third on the team in points and assists while logging a hefty 23:38 of ice time each game. His recent form has been strong, tallying a goal and two assists over his last three encounters. However, the Oilers faced a setback with a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
On another front, Jacob Markstrom, recently acquired by the New Jersey Devils from the Calgary Flames, is showcasing his skills in the net. His recent stats — a 3-1-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage — highlight his impact. Markstrom's performance in December was especially noteworthy, boasting an 8-1-0 record and a .937 save percentage, helping to place the Devils atop the Metropolitan Division.
As these players continue to shine and lead their respective teams, the NHL season promises thrilling moments and captivating performances. Whether it's Lehkonen's resurgence, Eichel's consistent playmaking, Bouchard's dynamic presence, or Markstrom's goaltending excellence, the league is alive with talent and competition.