Nathan MacKinnon named NHL First Star for December

Nathan MacKinnon (5of7, Wikimedia Commons)

Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon of Halifax, Nova Scotia has been named the National Hockey League First Star for the month of December on Wednesday. In 13 games, he had seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points. MacKinnon was also a +11 with seven penalty minutes, 52 shots on goal, five power-play points, seven hits, 20 blocked shots, and 111 faceoff wins.

MacKinnon’s most notable performance of the month came on December 10. He had one goal and four assists for five points in a 6-2 Avalanche win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. All five of MacKinnon’s points in the game were even strength, and he was a +4.

In 39 games this season, MacKinnon has 14 goals and 50 assists for 64 points. He is a +13 with 25 penalty minutes, 19 power-play points, three game-winning goals, 151 shots on goal, 339 faceoff wins, 36 blocked shots, 21 hits, 13 takeaways, and 67 giveaways. MacKinnon is also the NHL leader in assists (50), and points (64).

MacKinnon then began the month of January with a notable performance. He had three assists in a 6-5 Avalanche overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

The Avalanche are the hottest team in the NHL at the moment as they have won six straight games. Colorado has a record of 24 wins and 15 losses for 48 points. They have the third most points in the Central Division.

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