Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers have been recognized as the NHL’s top players for February. MacKinnon contributed 12 points in eight games, including four goals and eight assists, helping the Avalanche secure a tie for third in the Central Division.

Hagel led the league with 13 points, scoring seven goals and six assists, driving the Lightning to a remarkable 7-0-1 record. Draisaitl was dominant with eight goals and four assists in eight games, extending his point streak to ten games and matching his previous goal streak. Each player's performance has been critical to their teams' successes this month.

Mackenzie Blackwood showcased his prowess against his former team, the New Jersey Devils, making 22 saves as the Colorado Avalanche triumphed 5-1 at Ball Arena. Nathan MacKinnon starred with two goals and an assist, highlighting a team effort that Coach Jared Bednar praised for its competitiveness and execution. This marked one of Colorado's finest performances this season, building on a prior 4-0 victory over the Devils. MacKinnon’s power-play efficiency surged with three goals in four games, indicating a productive partnership with Martin Necas, who contributed three assists and 12 points in 11 games since joining the team. The Avs also benefited from key contributions from Casey Mittelstadt and Logan O’Connor, addressing recent scoring struggles.

Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer recently participated in the Hardline on Sportsradio 96.7 FM, sharing insights from his role as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. This event marked a significant best-on-best opportunity featuring top-tier talent like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, leading to an unprecedented surge in excitement among players and fans alike.

DeBoer reflected on the unique atmosphere of the championship, emphasizing the electric energy in arenas, particularly in Montreal. He expressed his admiration for the elite level of play, which he found even surpassing that of two Stanley Cup Finals. The coach noted the challenges of defeating the same team twice in a tournament setting, highlighting the intense rivalry between Canada and the U.S. as the decisive match approached.

Aside from the riveting action, DeBoer recounted his memorable encounters with hockey legends like Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky during pre-game ceremonies, underscoring the cultural significance of the tournament. He also praised Thomas Harley for stepping up under pressure when other players fell ill or injured, showcasing the resilience and potential of rising Stars talent.

The Colorado Avalanche are in a precarious position as the March 7 trade deadline approaches, struggling with consistency and goal production. With a 9-9-2 record in their last 20 games and averaging just 2.6 goals per game, they find themselves near the bottom of the league in scoring. Coach Jared Bednar has highlighted that secondary scoring is needed, particularly as Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a crucial player on the ice.

Valeri Nichushkin's potential return could provide a much-needed boost, as he practiced with key players ahead of a game against the New Jersey Devils. Meanwhile, Casey Mittelstadt's performance has dipped significantly, and other forwards like Joel Kiviranta and Ross Colton have also been underperforming. The Avalanche’s depth has been called into question, with Bednar emphasizing the need for contributions from all lines if they hope to improve before the playoffs.