Avalanche news: Makar wins showdown, MacKinnon hits 30, power play steps up

The Colorado Avalanche got a convincing 5-1 over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night at the Xcel Energy Center. The win was the Avs’ 26th of the season and extended their winning streak to five.

Meanwhile, the Wild’s seven-game run came to an end. The win also opened up a 10-point lead for the Avs over the Wild. The Dallas Stars beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 in their Sunday night tilt, helping Dallas keep pace.

So, here’s a look at this edition of the Avalanche news as we kick off another week.

Makar wins showdown

Sunday night’s tilt with the Wild marked the first time Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar went head-to-head since the blockbuster deal.

This time around, it was Makar who took the crown. The Avalanche blueliner scored a goal and added two assists in 23:25 of ice time across 25 shifts. He was all over the ice, but it was his power play in the second period that impressed the most.

Here’s a look at the goal, as shown on the Avalanche’s official X account:

Makar made the goal seem effortless, beating Jesper Wallstedt, who stopped 37 shots on the night.

As for Hughes, he logged 26:41 of ice time across 22 shifts. He was a minus-1 in 22 shifts. It wasn’t a bad night for the new Wild star defenseman. But it was Makar who bested him, earning the game’s first star.

MacKinnon hits 30

Nathan MacKinnon was up to his usual tricks against the Wild. The Avalanche superstar had a deuce on the night, becoming the first player to hit 30 goals and 60 points this season. MacKinnon got a crucial power play in the second period to open up the lead to 2-0.

That tally would hold up as the game-winner on the night. The Avalanche went into the dressing room up 3-0 after 40 minutes. The Wild made a brief comeback, as Ryan Hartman scored his ninth of the season. However, Brock Nelson dashed those hopes with his 14th of the season.

MacKinnon then added his 30th, an empty-netter to seal the deal. MacKinnon continues to roll and has an outside chance at hitting 50 goals in 50 games. It’s certainly attainable, though he’ll need to continue his hot streak.

It’s also worth pointing out the following feat by MacKinnon, as noted by Brendan McNicholas:

It’s been nearly 40 years since the last time anyone from the Avalanche/Nordiques franchise has had such a hot start. So, kudos to Nathan MacKinnon for the remarkable accomplishment.

Avalanche power play steps up

Another crucial aspect of the Avalanche’s Sunday night win was the power play. MacKinnon and Makar scored a power play tally each in the second period to bury the Wild.

In particular, Makar’s goal was particularly costly for the Wild as it came on the tail end of a Marcus Foligno double-minor. The Wild had seemingly killed off the shorthanded spot, but Makar showed his skill and buried the puck to put the game pretty much out of reach.

Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood deserves a shoutout. He stopped 28 shots on the night, earning him the game’s third star.