Ankle Breaking Goal
Everyone has a favorite Nathan MacKinnon goal — the kid has 61 to choose from in his three-year NHL career.
How about that time MacKinnon flew past the New York Islander defensemen like they were standing still?
That speed! MacK was really showing the world what he could do with the rockets in his skates.
Of course, you’ve got to love an overtime winner against the (hated) Minnesota Wild:
I especially love the Colorado Avalanche’s elated celebration — and the Wild’s dejection — in this goal video.
However, it’s the skill in his only other NHL playoff goal that makes this my favorite:
You see all of Nathan MacKinnon’s gifts in motion. With his speed he beats three Minnesota Wild players — including Zach Parise! He then stick handles with such artistry that he “breaks the ankles” of a fourth Wild player, Jared Spurgeon, causing him to just fall down. The fifth player, Nate Prosser, looks on stupidly as MacKinnon fires a deadly accurate shot past goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who had no chance.
Next: Avs with Stanley Cup Attitude
The fight and compete level combined with pure skill — that’s what Nathan MacKinnon needs to bring to the table with his new status as the soon-to-be highest paid player on the Colorado Avalanche. That’s how he leads, even at his tender young age. That’s what can lead the team back into the playoffs where they belong.