David Pastrnak has been the model of consistency this year for the Boston Bruins. He has 61 points in 43 games with 25 goals and 35 assists. He is well on his way to finishing with more than 120 points on the year which would be his second consecutive year with more than 110 points. People questioned, with the loss of so many stars from last year's powerhouse team, can Pasta still produce? He has more than answered those questions.
This Thursday, another young Phenom comes to visit the city of Boston in Nathon MacKinnon. Mackinnon has been electric for the Colorado Avalanche ever since entering the league in '13-'14 as an 18-year-old rookie, just one year before Pastrnak. He has averaged 76 points per year over his first 10 years in the league and is still only 28 years old. He's well on pace for the best year of his career with 72 points already and on pace for 129 points, which would surpass his season high he set last year of 111.
These two dynamic players, along with Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning are leading the race for the Hart trophy. While MacKinnon and Kucherov have the lead right now, Pasta is playing great and could break out for 3-4 points on any given night. The Lightning and Avalanche have also played more games than Boston, so Pasta will have his chances to catch up in the race.
The NHL is booming with young stars in their prime: McDavid, Pastrnak, MacKinnon, Kucherov, Draisaitl, Beddard and the list goes on. When these players meet on the ice, it draws attention. The matchup between Pasta and MacKinnon, two Hart Trophy favorites will be no different! See you on Thursday!
