He shoots, he hits! For nearly three decades, as many goals have been scored in the first half of a season as this year. An average of 6.4 goals were scored per game up to Wednesday, the most in 27 years. In the 1995/96 season, the teams were just as accurate at the same time in the season.
Led by the Edmonton Oilers’ two exceptional forwards, Connor McDavid (35-44–79 in 43 games) and Leon Draisaitl (23-40–63 in 41 games), twelve players are on their way to reaching 100 points by the end of the season.
McDavid is even on course for 150 season points, which none other than Mario Lemieux surpassed with 161 points in the 1995/96 season. Lemieux (131 in 1991-92; 160 in 1992-93) also formed the Pittsburgh Penguins’ last forward duo with Kevin Stevens (123 in 1991-92; 111 in 1992-93), in which back-to-back seasons each of the two protagonists scored more than 100 points. After 123 points and 110 points in the 2021/22 season, McDavid and Draisaitl could follow in their footsteps at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Video: EDM@ANA: McDavid extends Oilers lead in 1st
Defensive forces have also played a large part in the flood of goals this season. Seven defenders are projected to break the 70-point mark this season, the most since eight defenders did in 1993/94.
Erik Karlsson leads the ranks of offensively strong defenders. He has 56 points (13 goals, 43 assists) in 43 games for the San Jose Sharks and could be ranked after Bobby Orr (6x), Denis Potvin (1978/79), Paul Coffey (5x), Al MacInnis (1990/91 ) and most recently Brian Leetch (1991/92) to become the sixth blueliner in NHL history to score over 100 points.
The sum of exceptional players who enjoy scoring goals should also ensure a lot of goal celebrations in the matches in the second half of the 2022/23 season.