The National Hockey League (NHL) has once again delivered a season brimming with high-level performances and record-breaking accomplishments. The 2022-2023 season will be remembered for its astonishing individual feats, highlighting the extraordinary talent present in the league today.
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov: A Battle of Assists
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov both reached the elite milestone of 100 assists last season, underscoring their status as some of the league's most creative playmakers. McDavid's exceptional vision and precision passing have not only positioned him as a leader in assists but also in overall points and power play points over the past three seasons, with tallies of 268 assists, 408 points, and 159 power play points respectively. His impact is palpable, particularly during the playoffs, where he has accumulated 37 goals and 80 assists in just 74 career games. The Edmonton Oilers, led by McDavid, generated an impressive 3.95 xGF/60 at five-on-five last season.
Auston Matthews: A Master of Goal Scoring
Auston Matthews has cemented his reputation as one of the league's premier goal scorers, racking up an incredible 69 goals last season. This achievement contributes to his career total of 368 goals over eight years, a testament to his consistent offensive prowess. Such numbers place him firmly among the elite sharpshooters in the NHL.
Nathan MacKinnon: An MVP Season
Nathan MacKinnon had a season to remember, not only for tallying 140 points but also for winning his first Hart Trophy. His dominance on the ice was evident, particularly in five-on-five scenarios where he led the league with 79 points. This all-around performance underscores why MacKinnon is considered among the top players in the league.
Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar: Defensive Dynamos
On the defensive front, Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar stood out with their exceptional contributions. Hughes delivered 17 goals and 75 assists, playing a crucial role in the Vancouver Canucks' plus-37 goal differential at five-on-five while he was on the ice. Meanwhile, Makar set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. His influence was felt throughout the season as the Colorado Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with Makar on the rink.
Kucherov's All-Around Prowess
Nikita Kucherov was not only prolific in assists but also impressive in scoring, wrapping up the season with 44 goals and 144 points. Kucherov ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, reinforcing his status as a versatile and indispensable player for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Draisaitl and Barkov: Power Play Specialists
Leon Draisaitl's impact on the power play cannot be overstated. Over the past six years, he has amassed 272 goals and 371 assists, including 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign. On the other hand, Aleksander Barkov's balanced gameplay was highlighted by his 23 goals and 57 assists last season, contributing to the Florida Panthers' low 1.98 xGA/60 at five-on-five when he was on the ice.
Kirill Kaprizov: Consistent Scorer
Kirill Kaprizov continued to showcase his scoring prowess by tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranking 12th in points with 279. His presence on the ice was equally defensive, with Minnesota allowing just 2.23 xGA/60 at five-on-five with Kaprizov on the rink.
Boston Bruins' Offensive Surge with Pastrnak
Elias Lindholm stepping up as the new No. 1 center for the Boston Bruins was a notable shift, but it was David Pastrnak's extraordinary season that caught attention. Pastrnak scored 47 goals and 63 assists, driving the Bruins' offense to a rate of 3.59 GF/60 at five-on-five when he was on the ice, compared to 2.25 GF/60 without him. Such a disparity highlights his indispensable role in the team's success.
As the NHL continues to evolve, these standout performances remind us of the exceptional talent and intense competition that define the league. Each player’s contributions not only illustrate their individual brilliance but also narrate the broader story of a dynamic and captivating season in professional hockey.