It feels as if Nikita Kucherov’s consistency makes him the favorite to win the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP.
But historically https://www.coavalanchefans.com/colin-wilson-jersey-c-12.html, players with late surges have left a major impression on voters. Remember Corey Perry scoring 19 goals in his last 16 games and winning the Hart in 2011?
Keep an eye on Nathan MacKinnon https://www.coavalanchefans.com/carl-soderberg-jersey-c-13.html, whose 1.36 points per game average 76 points in 56 games leads the NHL. He has carried the surprising Colorado Avalanche, who are one point out of playoff spot. Don’t ignore Taylor Hall’s work in spearheading the New Jersey Devils’ turnaround. How about Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler as a sleeper? Evgeni Malkin and Claude Giroux also deserve consideration.
Ovechkin adds another 50? With 39 goals in 64 games, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has a shot for his eighth 50 goal season.
Ovechkin s scoring rate is remarkable given how challenging it is to score in this era. He needs 11 goals in 18 games to hit 50 again. That would be highly unlikely for anyone other than Ovechkin, who has a history of going on scoring binges.

He also needs only three goals to reach the 600 goal level for his NHL career.
Unsettled West As of this morning, the Anaheim Ducks Patrik Nemeth Jersey, with 76 points, own the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Avalanche 75 points , St. Louis Blues 74 and Calgary Flames 73 are within three points.
The San Jose Sharks 79 and Los Angeles Kings 77 are second and third, respectively, in the Pacific Division, and they aren’t safe either. The Central Division’s Minnesota Wild 79 could also be vulnerable, although they shouldn’t be based on talent.
In that group, the Ducks, 6 2 2 in their last 10, may be playing the best. Watch out for the Avalanche, winners of three in a row.
Panthers’ playoff push The Florida Panthers have gone 12 3 0 since the All Star break to barge into playoff contention. They are one point out.

There are plenty of reasons to believe they will make it, which leaves the Columbus Blue Jackets vulnerable to missing the playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons. The Carolina Hurricanes are in danger of missing the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
Key for the Panthers? Goalie Roberto Luongo Since coming back from injury https://www.coavalanchefans.com/nail-yakupov-jersey-c-11.html, he’s 5 1 with a .927 save percentage.
Dahlin sweepstakes For most of the season, the Arizona Coyotes looked like they would enjoy the best odds of landing Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, considered a generational talent. He is certain to be the No. 1 draft pick.
But an odd situation is developing. The Coyotes have been winning at an alarming rate. They are 7 2 1 in their past 10 games. No other team in the bottom 10 has won more than four games in their past 10.

The worst record only guarantees a top four pick, but that is important in this year’s draft, which boasts several potential impact players. The Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres, three points ahead of Arizona, are the top contenders in the worst record chase, but the Ottawa Senators, six points ahead, are a possibility.