THN Three Stars: Gaudreau, Lehner, Marchment Shine
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Once again, it’s time for THN’s three stars of the week. Over the past seven days, there have been a number of NHL players who have stood out in their own way, but here are the best of that group. In reverse order:
3. Mason Marchment, Florida: The Atlantic-Division-leading Panthers once again had a strong week, and Marchment led the way for them on the offensive end, generating four goals and six points in four games. The 26-year-old did it with far fewer minutes on the ice than all top performers this week, averaging only 13:35 as he scored all four of his goals at even-strength. In this, his second NHL season, Marchment has set new individual highs, with six goals and 17 points in only 20 GP. He does benefit from playing on one of the league’s best teams, but Marchment also is evolving into a strong winger with a notable physical game.
2. Robin Lehner, Vegas: The veteran Golden Knights goaltender appeared in three games this week, and although he lost one of them – to the Panthers – Lehner shut out the Washington Capitals, and beat the defending Stanley Cup-champion Tampa Bay Lightning in a shootout in the other two games. Lehner posted a stellar 1.30 goals-against average and .957 save percentage this week, and the 30-year-old now has an 18-12-1 record this season. He plays in front of an elite group of Vegas skaters, but Lehner also has grown into a dependable No. 1 netinder.
1. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary: His Flames teammates have helped make Calgary into a high-octane group, but Gaudreau has been front and center in their success – and this week, Gaudreau led all NHL point-producers, with six assists and eight points in four GP. The 28-year-old, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, is raising his contractual expectations with every game; He’s earning $6.75 million this year, and he’s been worth every penny, but Calgary management knows he’ll command much more than that on the UFA market. So long as the Flames keep winning games, they’ll be happy to pay up on a new extension.
