Nathan MacKinnon’s ridiculously hot start has drawn the attention of everyone around the NHL. Even those who are not Colorado Avalanche fans cannot deny the sheer awesomeness of what MacKinnon has done so far this season.
Based on some simple calculations, MacKinnon is on pace to blow past 60 goals, potentially reaching 70. But that’s not the most impressive thing that MacKinnon could do this season.
The most remarkable achievement Nathan MacKinnon could accomplish this season is hitting 50 goals in 50 games.
Now, let’s set some ground rules before proceeding. We’re talking about notching 50 goals in the team’s first 50 games. The Avalanche’s 50th game would be January 25 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
That situation means MacKinnon has to get 28 more goals in about two months. Judging by his pace, that’s something certainly doable. MacKinnon’s stellar hot streak could easily land him within striking distance before the end of the year.
But just how unbelievable would getting 50 goals in 50 games be?
The last time the feat happened was back during the 1991-92 season. Brett Hull of the St. Louis Blues got 50 in 50. Hull got his 50th of the year on January 28, 1992.
That was the last time an NHLer pulled off such a feat. That’s why MacKinnon’s quest for the vaunted mark is a real treat for NHL fans this season.
Nathan MacKinnon could join truly elite company
Only a handful of players have achieved the majestic 50-goals-in-50-games mark. The first to do with was Maurice Richard during the 1944-45 season. He got 50 in 50 to set the mark. Of course, the Rocket Richard Trophy is named after him, and with good reason.
Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders was the next player to achieve the mark nearly 40 years later. The Isles’ legend hit the mark during the 1980-81 season. Bossy registered a hat trick on his 50th game that season to jump past the mark.
Then, there’s Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky went bananas during the 1981-82 season, setting the record for the fastest to 50 games. Gretzky scored his 50th goal in the Edmonton Oilers’ 39th game on December 30, 1981. He scored five goals, yes, five, in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. That season, Gretzky set the all-time single-season goals record with 92.
When considering the names to reach the 50-goals-in50-games plateau, MacKinnon would all but lock up the Hart Trophy this season. Here’s hoping he can go on a run (not like he isn’t on one already) and get over the hump.