After the rollercoaster that was last season’s NHL playoffs, there was quite a bit to look for in the first half of the 2020 season. As the All-Star break has wrapped up, there were several standout performers and teams to watch going into the second half of the season. These takeaways could determine playoff seeding, along with some records that could be broken by the end of the season.

1.) David Pastrnak is on pace to have the most powerplay goals in a season since 1992-93

David Pastrnak – 16 PPG, 51 GP

Everyone knew that David Pastrnak was an NHL superstar by the end of last season. Most fans were looking forward to seeing how Pastrnak would perform in 2019-20, and he’s providing some of the best hockey we’ve seen.

In his 51 GP through this year’s All-Star break, Pastrnak has led the Bruins to the second-most points in the entire league this season, behind only the Washington Capitals. Pastrnak also leads his team in scoring 70 points with 37 goals.

What’s even better? Pastrnak has scored 16 of his goals on the powerplay.

At his current rate, he could tie Dave Andreychuk’s record of 32 from the 1992-93 season. If Pastrnak kicks it up a notch after the break, he might even catch Tim Kerr’s 34 PPG in the 1985-86 season. Not only is his Pastrnak’s play historic, but it’s also incredibly entertaining to watch as a hockey fan.

2.) The Pittsburgh Penguins hold a playoff spot, despite Crosby, Schultz, Dumoulin, and Bjugstad not playing more than 30 games each.

Pittsburgh Penguins – 31-14-5 (67 points), 2nd in NHL Metropolitan Division

The Penguins had the most successful past decade of any franchise in the NHL, captained by Sidney Crosby and with lots of help from Evgeni Malkin and company.

However, the start of the 2019-20 NHL regular season didn’t go the way the Penguins had planned. Up to the All-Star break, Nick Bjugstad, Sidney Crosby, Brian Dumoulin, and Justin Schulz have yet to play their 30th game of the season. From Crosby’s core/groin injury, which resulted in surgery, to Schultz’s lower-body injury, the Penguins couldn’t catch a break.

Surprisingly, this didn’t stop them from holding the 2nd highest point total in the Metropolitan Division up to this point. The Penguins have continued to find a way to win games, mostly with the help of Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust. Crosby has been spectacular since his recent return and looks to lead the Penguins to the playoffs once again.

3.) Connor McDavid Could Join Joe Thornton

Connor McDavid – 49 A, 27 G, 49 GP

So far in the 2019-20 season, we’ve gotten to see Connor McDavid continue to dominate defenses and continue to prove he’s the best player in the league. Averaging over a point per game, McDavid’s passing has been arguably his most effective weapon this year. At his current pace, he would have 82 assists in 82 games, but if he hits a hot streak as the playoffs near, he could end up with the best passing season since Joe Thornton’s 92 A season in 2006-07.

McDavid could come close to passing him, as the Edmonton Oilers will have to really play well to maintain their position in the standings. At the break, they hold the second position in Pacific Division but are tied with the Flames, Coyotes, and Golden Knights. These playoff spots could change quite a bit after the All-Star break, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.



4.) Alex Ovechkin has proved that Wayne Gretzky’s goal record might not be completely out of reach.

Alex Ovechkin (34 years old) – 692 G

Gretzky’s Record – 894 G

As Alex Ovechkin has gotten older and more experienced in the league, his skills have only improved as he’s been able to maintain high goal production his entire career. Ovechkin should go down as the best Russian player in NHL history, and his recent play this season and throughout his career proves that. If he chooses to play for 4-6 more years and continues to score 40-45 goals per season (which is his average), Ovechkin could hold the record for most goals in NHL history.

5.) Boston and Washington make the Eastern Conference the most exciting conference.

Boston – 29-10-12 70 PTS

Washington – 33-11-15 71 PTS

The Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals both lead their respective divisions at the All-Star break. Both are the top two teams in the league point-wise, and it seems like they’re favorites to bring home the Stanley Cup later this year.

Alex Ovechkin and David Pastrnak are both top 3 in goal scoring so far, with no signs of slowing down, as long as they stay healthy. The NHL Playoffs are all about momentum, and it will be interesting to see which of these teams carry more energy with them into the playoffs when they come. It would be surprising to see either team lose their top spots in their divisions, and it’s expected that both will start off hot after the break after having some time off.

All stats courtesy of hockey-reference.com