Johnny Gaudreau Named NHL First Star Of December

(Photo: Alan Sullivan)

After an outstanding rookie season, Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames made huge waves in the NHL. His sophomore season has been nothing less, even during the Flames’ rocky start. On Monday, Gaudreau was named the NHL First Star of the Month of December.

In a span of 13 games in December, Gaudreau had a league leading 12 goals. With the help of 12 goals and 6 assists from Johnny Hockey, the Flames’ had a 9-4-0 record. The month was an eventful season for the team, which included breaking their franchise record of winning 11 straight at home.

“He’s a treat to watch for fans of both sides of any team,” Flames captain Mark Giordano said per the Calgary Sun. “This guy makes plays. He wants the puck and makes plays that make you go ‘Wow’ and shake your head while you’re out there with him.”

Gaudreau was not only productive, but he helped the team out when it really counted: four multi-goal games, three game-winning goals and two hat tricks. He was the first player to have multiple hat tricks in one month since Jarome Iginla in 2003. Gaudreau has had 17 goals so far this season and yet only had 5 until December. In just 118 career NHL games, he has impressively already surpassed the 100 career point mark (41 G, 62 P).

So far, Gaudreau has been successful this season and has been a huge asset to the team. In order to have a chance at any sort of post-season, the Flames’ need to put it into high gear. The Flames’ are currently second-to-last in the Pacific Division and 14 points out from the first-place Los Angeles Kings.