3-horse race: Which superstar will lead the NHL in points?

As the NHL regular season winds down, the race between Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon for the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer couldn't be any tighter.

Notching 10 points over his last five games, McDavid's recent flurry has put him atop the points list with 125. The Oilers captain is now the favorite on theScore Bet to win his sixth Art Ross at -130 (56.5% implied probability).

Kucherov, who has won the points race in back-to-back seasons and three total in his career, trails McDavid by four points with a game in hand. The Lightning star is +185 to surpass McDavid after scoring just three points in his last four contests.

In eight of the past nine seasons, either McDavid or Kucherov has finished as the league's top scorer, with Leon Draisaitl interrupting the streak in 2020.

Mackinnon cannot be counted out, either. He is tied with Kucherov at 121 points and also has a game in hand over McDavid. MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals with 50 - reaching the milestone Wednesday - and is the favorite to win the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. However, oddsmakers don't like his chances to catch McDavid nearly as much as Kucherov's, pricing MacKinnon at +425 to win the Art Ross.

👉 Bet on the Art Ross race with theScore Bet here

Remaining schedules

On paper, McDavid's remaining schedule appears the easiest, with favorable matchups against the Blackhawks, Sharks, Kings, and Canucks still to come. Meanwhile, seven of the Lightning's final eight games are against teams either holding a playoff spot or in the thick of a postseason race.

The Avalanche's road to the playoffs isn't as easy as the Oilers', but they face the Flames and Blues twice, plus the Kraken, all teams sitting outside of a playoff spot.

There is also a chance MacKinnon sits out a couple of his remaining games. Colorado is eight points clear of the Stars for the top seed in the Western Conference, and making sure MacKinnon stays healthy for the postseason should be a priority for the Avs.

Regardless of how the race finishes after 82 games, watching these three battle for the top spot on the points list will be compelling drama as the regular season comes to a close.

US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.