Get ready for a thrilling week in the NHL, where history is being made and records are on the line! January 2026 has already seen an incredible 25 hat tricks, tying for the second-most in a single calendar month in the past four decades. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Anaheim's Beckett Sennecke and Colorado's Brock Nelson both achieved this feat, propelling their teams to victory and setting the stage for an unforgettable season.
And this is the part most people miss: Evgeni Malkin scored in his 1,000th game alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, making them the fourth trio in NHL history to reach this milestone together. But the real controversy lies in the age-old debate: who's the greatest trio of all time? Weigh in below!
Looking ahead, Monday's Prime Monday Night Hockey showdown between the Oilers and Ducks is a must-watch. Evan Bouchard, fresh off a six-point performance, will face a Ducks team on a seven-game winning streak. Will they extend it to eight and match the third-longest winning streak in franchise history? Or will Bouchard become the first Oilers defenseman with at least eight points in a two-game span since Paul Coffey in 1986?
Here's a fun fact to impress your friends: Sennecke, at 19 years and 362 days, became the fourth rookie in Ducks history to record a hat trick and the second-youngest behind Leo Carlsson. He's also on track to become the third-fastest Anaheim rookie to reach 40 points in a season. Meanwhile, Nelson's hat trick was his fifth career, and it helped the Avalanche become the fourth team in NHL history with six or fewer regulation losses through 50 games.
But wait, there's more! Nathan MacKinnon, who assisted on Nelson's third goal, is just two assists shy of 700 for his career. He's also on pace to become the third player in franchise history with five consecutive 50-assist campaigns. Will he join the ranks of Peter Stastny and Joe Sakic? Only time will tell.
As we celebrate these achievements, let's not forget the trailblazers behind the scenes. Emily Galbraith, the Buffalo Sabres' Team Dietitian, is just one example of the incredible women shaping the future of hockey. And with the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on the horizon, we're reminded of the global impact of this sport.
So, what's your take on the NHL's hottest topics? Who do you think will reach their milestones first? And which team will come out on top in the Oilers-Ducks matchup? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to tune in to this week's national broadcasts for all the action!
