Nathan MacKinnon leads NHL scoring race as Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini chase close behind

This year’s NHL scoring race has been one of the most thrilling years. Gone are the days when Connor McDavid single-handedly dominated the charts. This year, his Canadian teammate and Avalanche star Nathan Mackinnon has also entered the discussion.The two veterans are separated by just one point, with Mackinnon (81) currently holding the lead over McDavid (80). Meanwhile, rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini has also impressed the critics this season as he tries to break his way into the claim for the Art Ross Trophy.MacKinnon has picked up right where he left off after winning the Hart Trophy in 2023-24. With 81 points (36 Goals, 41 Assists) across 45 games this season, he has been in sensational form. His two-way play has even helped the Avs maintain a 33-4-8 record as they sit atop the Central Division.He rarely experiences extended slumps and maintains production even when the Avalanche struggles as a team. That reliability has helped him build a slim lead in the scoring race as he leads not only the points race but also remains the leader for most goals this season. With 30 goals across 45 games, Mackinnon is comfortably ahead of the next man on the list making him the favorite for the Maurice "Rocket Richard Trophy. However, that doesn’t mean he has an undisputed claim to the Art Ross Trophy.McDavid sits just one point behind MacKinnon with 80 points through the same number of games. The Edmonton Oilers captain remains on pace for another remarkable season despite the razor-thin margin.The 29-year-old continues rewriting the record books with his otherworldly offensive production. McDavid has won the Art Ross Trophy five times in his career and appears destined to challenge for a sixth scoring title this season.His ability to create offense from seemingly nothing separates McDavid from every other player in the league. The generational talent routinely makes plays that leave opponents and fans alike shaking their heads in disbelief. But just behind Mackinnon and McDavid is a name no one expected.Macklin Celebrini remains the most shocking member of this three-man race. Trailing considerably behind the two former MVP winners, the 19-year-old has scored 70 points through the first half of the season. He remains the sole driving force behind the Sharks this season.With the youngster already making his way to the Team Canada roster, the fans remain thrilled about just how far he can push. Many even believe that if by any miracle San Jose does make the playoffs, Celebrini poses the best argument for the Hart Trophy.While other veterans like Nikita Kucherov (67) and McDavid’s linemate Leon Draisaitl (64) are also in the top five, most experts believe that the race will be limited to the first two men. Which one of those two will take it in the end, however, is an answer only the postseason will tell.Also Read: Nathan MacKinnon addresses Gabriel Landeskog's injury after Colorado Avalanche's game against the Florida