The early front-runners in the NHL's Hart Trophy race as MVP feature a trio of youngsters having breakout seasons.

“It’s unreal,” Colorado defenceman Cale Makar said in a post-game media session Sunday. “He’s finding ways to put the puck in the back of the net, going to the right areas and driving the play, too. It’s definitely amazing to play with that guy every night.”

Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon, Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard and Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson are the NHL’s three stars of the week.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper delivered a stern message after the loss against Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche.

The rout rolled on just 24 seconds into the final period when the Oilers mishandled the puck at the blue line, allowing MacKinnon to scoop up the loose puck and rip it past Pickard on a 2-on-1 rush, pushing the score to 7–1.

The 6-foot-6 LSU shooting guard simultaneously caught the early pass from point guard Dedan Thomas as he was setting his feet. The late defender entered Mackinnon’s air space, but it was too late as the quick-release jumpshot couldn’t be stopped from going through the hoop.

CMU President Neil MacKinnon touts Top-16 ranking for underserved care, new nursing and waitlists; 672 international student visa denials cost school $4.4M.

The Avalanche had their best road game in franchise history. Nathan MacKinnon sits atop the points race surrounded by the next generation of superstars. Also, another win for the Sharks and the Bruins.