A look at five of the standout performers from February
A look at five of the standout performers from February
Despite recording a mediocre 5-5-2 record through February, the Colorado Avalanche had several standout players who jumped off the scoresheet. Here's a look at the club’s top performers in February.
Nathan MacKinnon
The top point producer over the past month, MacKinnon scored five goals and 16 points through 12 games. He not only lead his team in points, but finished the month tied for ninth in total points along with Brandon Hagel, Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin, and Robert Thomas.
MacKinnon secured his 16th point of the month scoring his 100th point in the regular season in Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Artturi Lehkonen
After returning to action from the long-term injured reserve list, Artturi Lehkonen has been among the most consistent players on the scoresheet this past month. Capped off with a four-point game on Feb. 13 against the Washington Capitals where he produced two goals and two assists, he should remain on the top line and number one power-play unit until Valeri Nichushkin returns. There will most likely be a shift in the lineup when that happens.
Mikko Rantanen
Rantanen concluded February against the Blackhawks logging a primary assist on Devon Toews’ second period goal with less than two seconds remaining in the middle frame.
He is one of the few top performers this month that ended with a minus rating (minus-1). He heads into March riding a five-game point streak producing seven points (2G, 5A) in that timeframe.
Bowen Byram
With limited third-pairing and second power-play unit deployment, Byram lead all defensemen on the Avalanche with two goals and eight points while playing in all 12 games. There is wonder if his time in Colorado could come to an end shortly — as he remains an effective point-producing defenseman with limited playing opportunity and one of the franchise’s top tradable assets in the NHL.
His production over the past month brings him just outside of the top-10 on the team and third among Avalanche defensemen behind Cale Makar and Toews.
Justus Annunen
A 1-1-2 record does not exactly scream "stand out performer.” However, it is his .917 save percentage and 2.50 goals against average that earns him a spot on the list.
Annunen has faired well this season backing starting netminder Alexandar Georgiev including two impressive performances recording a .933 SV% against the Detroit Red Wings and a 24-save shutout victory against the Blackhawks. His recent play is one that could change opinions of the front office and their thoughts whether acquiring a veteran backup goaltender is necessary or not.
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