The NHL season is in full swing, and some players are standing out as the best of the best. They’re all aiming for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player to their team.
Nathan MacKinnon is leading the pack again this year with 34 points in just 19 games, despite Colorado’s goalie struggles. Last year’s Hart Trophy winner is pushing hard for another win.
MacKinnon shines on Colorado’s power play, topping all skaters with 13 power-play points. With key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin missing from action due to injuries or personal reasons, MacKinnon’s role has been crucial for his team.
Fans might think Kaprizov deserves more recognition too! Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild follows closely behind with 33 points in 18 games. He’s helped his team exceed expectations after missing last season’s playoffs, making them one of the top teams now.
Key Players Making Waves:
Kaprizov dominates even-strength play with 25 points and boasts a strong plus-minus rating of +17. While Matt Boldy trails him by 14 points, Filip Gustavsson supports with stellar goaltending stats (2.07 GAA and .926 SV%). Kaprizov’s efforts have made a huge impact on Minnesota’s success.
Jack Eichel from Vegas Golden Knights has also had an impressive season so far with 28 points in 18 games, tying for fifth place overall. His contributions include second-place ranking assists at 23 and boosting Vegas’ power play efficiency to a whopping 34%, second-best league-wide.
Eichel’s performance has propelled Vegas to first place in their division while improving their goal-scoring average significantly this year compared to last season. As their top center, he could very well be considered for a Hart nod come season end.
Cale Makar from Colorado Avalanche might not be favored as a defenseman contender for the Hart Trophy but is having an extraordinary year nonetheless. With historic point totals rivaling legends like Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey if he maintains pace through season end!
Makar will surely grab attention and MVP votes; however, sharing ice time with MacKinnon might split those votes between them both—yet another Norris Trophy seems likely as consolation prize!
What do you think about these standout performances?
