NHL Regular Season Resumes: Key Storylines and Remaining Intrigue
Introduction
The NHL regular season resumes Saturday afternoon with a full slate of 14 games, following the conclusion of the 4 Nations Face-Off international tournament. The tournament provided a brief break in the NHL schedule, but it also set the stage for several intriguing storylines as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
Ovechkin’s Pursuit of Gretzky’s Record
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record. He currently sits at 889 goals, just 16 shy of Gretzky’s mark. With 27 games remaining in the regular season, Ovechkin is on pace to break the record. If he maintains his current scoring rate, he could potentially reach the milestone in fewer games than Gretzky, who played 988 games in his career.
Trade Deadline Looming
The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching on March 7th. Teams have less than two weeks to decide whether to buy or sell players in an effort to improve their playoff chances. Several big names have already been moved, but one potential trade target emerged during the 4 Nations Face-Off: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones. Jones expressed his desire to play for a contender, setting the stage for a potential deal.
Contract Extensions and Expiring Deals
The trade deadline is not the only opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters. Several players are in the final years of their contracts, including Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Brad Marchand, Brock Boeser, and Mikko Rantanen. These players could be traded or sign contract extensions before the deadline or become free agents in the offseason.
MVP Race
The race for the NHL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is heating up. Reigning MVP Nathan MacKinnon is leading the league in scoring, while Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov are also in contention. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets is the favorite for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender, but awards for top defenseman and rookie remain up for grabs.
Playoff Races
The race for the playoffs is also providing plenty of excitement. The Jets and Capitals have established themselves as the league’s top teams, but the remaining playoff spots are still up for grabs. The Pacific Division is a tight race between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, while the Atlantic Division is led by the Florida Panthers. The Eastern Conference wild card race is equally tight, with several teams vying for the final two playoff spots.
Outdoor Hockey
The NHL will showcase outdoor hockey on March 1st when the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio State’s Ohio Stadium. The game will have added significance as both teams are in the playoff race.
Conclusion
The NHL regular season is entering its most exciting phase, with plenty of storylines to keep fans engaged. Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record, the trade deadline, contract negotiations, the MVP race, and the playoff races will all provide plenty of intrigue as the regular season winds down.
