The first three months of the NHL season were the Nathan MacKinnon show for the Colorado Avalanche, but Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid has surged into the conversation for the league's best player.
Just weeks ago, MacKinnon felt like the only answer, but after a mind-blowing month from McDavid, the race has tightened considerably.
However, things have changed drastically since Dec. 4, with McDavid picking up 31 points in the last 11 games. MacKinnon, meanwhile, has 17 points in his previous 11. While McDavid's recent sizzling streak is top of mind, it's MacKinnon's superior contribution at even strength that has him just ahead of the Oilers captain with Christmas beckoning. MacKinnon has 46 even-strength points (23 goals and 23 assists), seven ahead of Celebrini, eight ahead of linemate Martin Necas and 11 clear of McDavid." -Pearson
McDavid now leads the league with 67 points, while MacKinnon sits at 61. Both are equally vital to their teams, with MacKinnon factoring into 43 percent of the Avalanche's goals and McDavid into 52 percent for the Oilers.
However, with many of McDavid's points coming on the power play, MacKinnon still holds the edge at five-on-five.
"MacKinnon is also light-years ahead of McDavid when it comes to plus-minus. While many see the stat as useful as a white crayon on A4 paper, MacKinnon is a league-leading plus-45. McDavid, meanwhile, languishes at plus-1.If it were a 100-metre dash, MacKinnon would, by a nose, take the plaudits. But this race more closely resembles a gruelling marathon, and if McDavid continues on his super-hero pace, he will again be crowned the world's best." -Pearson
One thing is certain: watching them reunite for Canada at the Olympics in a month will be a treat. But it's the second half of the season that will ultimately decide who rules the jungle.