Top-4: It took 859 games, but Adam Henrique has his first career hat trick

Five short games were presented yesterday in the NHL.

Like every morning, I invite you to take a look around to see what caught your eye.

The NHL-leading @GoldenKnights were one of four Western Conference clubs to pick up wins during an eventful five-game Sunday.#NHLStats: https://t.co/Q9BfQCqwGo pic.twitter.com/KDjE5vJj1o

– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 18, 2023

1: First career hat trick for Adam Henrique

It took no less than 859 games… But Adam Henrique finally scored his first NHL hat trick.

The veteran took advantage of a visit to New Jersey to score his 7th, 8th and 9th goals of the campaign to help his club win the game 5-1.

It was a special night for him, as he began his career in New Jersey:

That’s the first career hat trick for @AdamHenrique, and it lifts the @AnaheimDucks to victory!

Hat Trick Challenge presented by @AstraZenecaUS pic.twitter.com/Dbj4qEEyNO

– NHL (@NHL) December 18, 2023

This is a win that will do the Ducks good, as they had lost their last five games.

Let’s wait and see if they can build on this win against one of the NHL’s top teams.

2: Brock Boeser can’t stop scoring

Is there anyone out there who can stop Brock Boeser? I’m asking for a friend…

Seriously, the Canucks forward is having by far the best offensive season of his career. He’s been scoring goals like there’s no tomorrow since the start of the campaign…

And things were no different yesterday, as his club took on the Blackhawks.

Boeser scored his 23rd goal of the campaign to join Auston Matthews as the NHL’s leading scorer.

He’s having quite a season, to say the least. Good for him!

3: Jonathan Drouin continues to have fun in Colorado

Jonathan Drouin has now collected four points in his last three games.

The former Montreal Canadien finished yesterday’s game against the Sharks with two assists, bringing his point total to 12 so far this season (in 29 games).

His assist on Valeri Nichushkin’s goal deserves to be shared:

A perfect pass from Jonathan Drouin pic.twitter.com/mjrFFOXEab

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 18, 2023

But the story of the game is Nathan MacKinnon.

The Avalanche’s star forward collected two goals and two assists in his team’s victory. That’s at least one point in 15 consecutive games, and he’s scored 27 points (eight goals) in that span.

He’s really on fire.

4: Fourth defeat in a row for the Sens

Things aren’t going well for the Ottawa Senators right now.

The team is struggling and unable to compete, night after night. And yet, we know just how talented the lineup is…

The Sens were in Vegas last night and were no match for the most recent Stanley Cup winners.

Final from Vegas. pic.twitter.com/t1KpvXkmKm

– Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 18, 2023

This is the fourth loss in as many games for D.J. Smith’s team, who now find themselves 29th in the NHL’s overall standings.

Another season below expectations for the Senators…