Hockey fans have a lot to look forward to as the second half of the season winds down.
Aside from the playoff and statistical races, the battle for the Calder should be an intriguing and close one until the final game of the season.
Heading into play Thursday night, Mitch Marner leads all rookies with 48 points, but Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews are only one and two points behind him.
When it comes to goals, Matthews is one up on Laine with 27, but the second overall pick gained ground Tuesday night against Dallas thanks to his third hat trick of the season.
Three hat tricks in a rookie season is impressive to say the least, but Laine's third trick also put him all alone in the history books as this insane stat displays.
What's even more insane is that Laine still has a couple of months to try and add to his record as his birthday is April 19th.
We imagine Jets fans are viewing the sensational rookie as the next Teemu Selanne, and that's totally justifiable as he already looks like an elite scorer for years to come.
Furthermore, Laine is closing in on tying Selanne's rookie record of five hat tricks in a season.
With the Jets just five points out of a playoff spot, they'll need Laine down the stretch to continue lighting the lamp, and based on his most recent outing, he's more than ready for the challenge.
(H/T: /r/hockey)
