Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is well on his way to a second-straight Hart Trophy this season. Throughout the year, the Hart Trophy race looked like a two-horse affair with MacKinnon neck-and-neck with Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl.
Unfortunately, Draisaitl hit the shelf with a lower-body injury. The injury has caused Draisaitl to miss a handful of games over the last couple of weeks. As such, Draisaitl’s injury has cleared the way for MacKinnon to win his second Hart in as many seasons.
Entering Sunday’s action, MacKinnon is tied with Tampa Bay Lightning forward, and former Hart Trophy winner, Nikita Kucherov with 109 points. However, Kucherov has made a strong push late in the season.
As for Draisaitl, he remains at 104 points, good for third in the NHL. Draisaitl still leads the league with 49 goals, though the Toronto Maple Leafs William Nylander has crept up as he’s now in the second with 42 goals.
As it stands, MacKinnon is the overwhelming favorite to take home the Hart. While Kucherov will likely get a nomination for the Hart, it’s tough to envision Kucherov beating MacKinnon. The Avs’ top-line center has been the heart and soul of the team all season long.
Now, I’m not saying that Kucherov hasn’t been crucial to the Bolts’ success this season. But when looking at the broader picture, MacKinnon has led the league in scoring from day one. As such, Mackinnon’s dominant season should not be overshadowed by Kucherov’s late-season surge.
Nathan MacKinnon crucial to Colorado Avalanche playoff success
As the focus turns to the NHL playoffs, Nathan MacKinnon will be crucial to the Colorado Avalanche’s postseason success. The Avs cannot hope to make a push for the Stanley Cup without MacKinnon being a key piece.
However, things are a bit different this season. MacKinnon, and top blue liner Cale Makar, have plenty of support behind them. Trade acquisitions Martin Necas and Brock Nelson have fit in nicely.
Additionally, Charlie Coyle and Ryan Lindgren have also given the Avs much-needed depth. Those additions have made a significant impact on the ice, allowing MacKinnon and Makar to do their thing.
With the Avalanche on a collision course with the Dallas Stars, the first round stands to be the toughest challenge the Avalanche will face in their postseason path. Now, that’s not to say that the other teams in the Western Conference are pushovers. The comment illustrates just how tough facing the Stars will be for Colorado.
Ultimately, Nathan MacKinnon will rely on his supporting cast as the Avalanche look to win their second cup in four seasons. With a core featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, anything is possible.