For several years now, the label of “NHL’s best player” has been bestowed on Connor McDavid. The Oilers’ star is truly in a class of his own, and while the league is brimming with talent, he is without doubt the most talented player on the circuit today.
We’re talking about a player who amassed 153 points last year. Nothing less.
That said, there are other stars in the league. Guys like Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, Cale Makar and Nikita Kucherov, to name but a few, are far from bad players.
But today, I want to talk to you about another player in this category: Nathan MacKinnon. Because for the past month, he’s been the best player in the NHL.
In fact, in his last 17 games, MacKinnon has scored at least one point in each of them. I say “at least” because, in reality, he has 33 points in his last 17 games.
Nathan MacKinnon during this 17 game point streak he’s on:
-Playing 23:28 per game
-12 goals
-21 assists
-75 shots on goal
-10 penalties drawn vs. 1 taken– Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 22, 2023
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Since the start of this sequence (November 20), no player has amassed more points than MacKinnon. McDavid (31) and Kucherov (30) aren’t far behind, but then Mika Zibanejad comes in fourth with 20 points.
And over the past week, Mack has really stepped up his game. He took advantage of his duels against the Sharks (two goals and four points) and the Senators(four goals and five points) to put on a show.
Let’s also give some credit to Jonathan Drouin, who’s having a good time: he’s on a five-game point streak, and he’s able to fuel his old chum’s huge streak.
Drouin to MacKinnon will go down in history. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/pojkaJzs0e
– Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 22, 2023
The problem is, despite the fact that MacKinnon has been hotter than the sun for the past month, the Avalanche only have a 9-6-2 record over that same period of time.
Connor McDavid says these things happen.
But despite the Avalanche’s somewhat disappointing record, it’s hard to blame the league’s best player over the past month, Nathan MacKinnon, for the losses. Because right now, he’s playing some of the most inspired hockey around.
In gusto
– Nice move by Alex Newhook.
Thanks to @AlecNewhook_@CanadiensMTLfor taking time to chat to my grandson and good friend back home in NL while taking in an U11 Christmas tournament!!!! #ClassAct #HealSoon@4MsGreene@StuCowan1@Dave_Stubbs #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/tBe0OkvD3K
– Barry Carroll (@modgcao) December 23, 2023
– A well-deserved holiday break for Martin St-Louis.
On the happy Canadiens at Christmas and the coach that has navigated them here: https://t.co/Y2BnLD6nfS
– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) December 23, 2023
– Simon Edvinsson recalled by the Red Wings.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today recalled defenseman Simon Edvinsson from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
Additionally, the #RedWings have placed goaltender Alex Lyon on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 16. pic.twitter.com/KzZhIW7y5k
– Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 23, 2023
– Great holiday reading.
New, for @TheAthletic: Some light holiday reading. Evaluating your “who says no?” trade proposals and your #AskCJ questions answered.
“Merry Christmas you filthy animals!“🎅🎅🎅https://t.co/aD6cyDAWIhhttps://t.co/aD6cyDAWIh
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 23, 2023
– A name to watch.
It’s going to take a big hit in Boston. https://t.co/aZBJmIgUIS
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 23, 2023