10 Visuals That Define an Electric 2023-24 Season

Nikita Kucherov for Sports Interaction promo 4.23

Credit: Apr 4, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) salutes fans in the crowd during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Now, that was a hockey season.

It was just over six months ago the NHL kicked off with Connor Bedard taking the opening faceoff against his hero, Sidney Crosby. But time flies when you’re having fun. And this was one of the league’s most memorable and thrilling regular seasons in its 107-year history.

1,312 games later, it’s playoff time.

But before we settle in for the best post-season in sports, we’re going to celebrate 2023-24. The season of chases for 70 goals and 100 assists. Of four superstars creating offense so consistently they might each be unanimous MVPs in other years. Of two legends proving they still have gas in the tank after 19 seasons. And of a dramatic Eastern Conference playoff race decided at the eleventh hour.

We’re telling the story of the year’s most important feats and headlines through images. Share them, save them, keep them in your back pocket when your buddy needs to pump the brakes on a bad take. You decide. Here are the 10 visuals that define the 2023-24 season.

#1. Goals

Takeaways: Auston Matthews’ 69 goals tied Mario Lemieux (1995-96) for the most in 31 years. The last time the NHL had a 70-goal scorer (1992-93), 14 players scored 50+ goals in a 24-team league. This year? Just four players reached 50. Different times. Adjusted to era, Matthews’ performance is tied for the sixth greatest goal-scoring season since Prohibition. Cheers to that. While we’re at it, the Leafs’ mustachioed sniper hit 20 posts, only took five minor penalties, and contributed all-world defense by any measure. What a player.

#2. Assists

Takeaways: The NHL’s last 100-assist season had been Wayne Gretzky’s eye-popping 11th consecutive time hitting the mark (1990-91). Neither Connor McDavid or Nikita Kucherov were even born yet. McDavid has been down this historic road before — his 72 assists in 56 games during the pandemic-shortened 2021 season equated to 108 era adjusted assists. But over a full schedule, both McDavid and Kucherov have had the best playmaking years since Gretzky rocked a mullet.

#3. Scoring Title

Takeaways: This season’s Art Ross clash was a spectacular three-horse marathon. NHL fans couldn’t blink without one of McDavid, Kucherov, or Nathan MacKinnon banking another point. While the sublime Kucherov ultimately won the race, incredibly it was empty net points that decided things (Kucherov 14, MacKinnon 8, McDavid 5). 2023-24 was the first time a trio reached 125 era adjusted points since 1988-89 (Lemieux, Gretzky, Steve Yzerman).

#4. Race to 895 Goals

Takeaways: Alex Ovechkin entered the season 73 goals from breaking Gretzky’s record. He scored 31 times this year — the second-most by a 38-year-old in NHL history. That leaves 42 red lights left to ignite. Through the Capitals’ first 46 games, Ovechkin had just eight goals. Things were looking bleak at his lowest point in January. An explosive 23-goal outburst in his final 36 games put The Great Eight completely back on track. Now, a 22-goal season followed by a 20-goal season will seal the deal.

#5. A Gretzky Record

Takeaways: Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, a Gretzky record was matched this season. Last week, I dove into Crosby’s place among the all-time greatest in NHL history. Fresh off a 94-point year at age 36, only Gretzky himself had more points at the same age (97). Remarkably, Crosby’s 42 goals were more than Gretzky scored in a season since he was 28 years old. The Great One’s records are among the sport’s most untouchable. Relentless and driven, Crosby is on the cusp of owning one for himself.

#6. Rookie Seasons

Takeaways: Having only turned 18 last August, Connor Bedard was young even by teenage phenom standards. His debut largely lived up to the hype, banking 61 points in 68 games on the league’s lowest-scoring team. Despite a 14-game absence from a jaw injury, he comfortably led NHL freshmen in scoring and is the Calder Trophy favorite. While he cooled off down the stretch (1 goal in his last 14 games), Bedard’s season was a solid showing, leaving everyone excited for what might come next.

#7. Scoring Trends

Takeaways: Ever since the mid-1990s when goals started to plummet, having enough offense in the NHL has been a point of interest for fans and stakeholders. The good news? For three seasons now, scoring has stayed above the six-goal-per-game mark. The last three years are the highest-scoring environment since 1995-96. While a modest rise in empty net goals (0.34 per game) contributes to a slice of the trend, scoring would still be at a 30-year high without the empty net bump.

#8. Scoring by Defensemen

Takeaways: Four defensemen reached 80 points this season — the first time that’s happened since the early 1990s. Norris front-runner Quinn Hughes led a talented pack, his 92 points being the third-most since the salary cap was introduced. Adjusted to era, Hughes’ breakout point total falls to a tie for fourth in the cap era (90 adjusted points), a tick above Cale Makar (88) who missed five games this season.

#9. Save Percentage

Takeaways: Goaltenders are still having great seasons — they just haven’t been the story this year. With more tactical shot selection and pre-shot movement, higher-performing power plays, and 3-on-3 overtime, the century-long battle between skaters and goaltenders has shifted toward offense. Save percentage (.903) is its lowest in 19 seasons and has now dropped steadily for a decade. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck is easily 2023-24’s standout — per Evolving Wild, his 39.4 goals saved above expected (GSAx) is the seventh-best performance since 2007-08.

#10. Slackin’ for Macklin

Takeaways: Steven Ellis has faithfully tracked the lottery odds for this June’s first overall selection. While 11 teams have a shot at drafting #1, San Jose (25.5%), Chicago (13.5%), and Anaheim (11.5%) collectively have even odds (50.5%) at the top pick. While draft days are famously unpredictable, Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini has been the consensus top prospect all year. Credit the NHL for trying something creative — the festivities will be hosted at The Sphere in Vegas.

Closing Thoughts

2023-24 was a special season. The NHL’s product was consistently electric. The excitement was palpable every night, every week, and every month. The league has a wonderful blend of breathtaking players at the beginning, middle, and end of their careers.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the NHL’s current scoring state might just be in a perfect place. The game is open enough for superstars to be superstars. It’s a time where talented players can reach historically significant heights like we had the privilege to witness this season.

It’s a great time to be a hockey fan. Enjoy the playoffs!

Follow @AdjustedHockey on X; Data from Hockey-Reference.com, NHL.com

New Year, New Gear! Check out Nation Gear’s latest collections – hoodies, t-shirts, hats and more for your favorite fans! Plus, keep up to date on upcoming events and travel by subscribing to our newsletter. Shop now at nationgear.ca