The Colorado Avalanche took the victory against the Blackhawks on Monday night, and while it was frustrating to see zero goals in the first period, the team still was able to celebrate with their star forward Nathan MacKinnon, twice.
Everybody was on their feet after MacKinnon recorded an assist on the first goal, which ended up getting overturned due to an offsides penalty. Still, the entire team exited the bench area to congratulate No. 29, despite the challenge that happened shortly after. It was almost like the air got sucked out of the arena. However, we just had to wait. He sat at 999 points entering tonight, and finishing with 1,001.
MacKinnon elected to pass the puck off to his teammate and as Marc Moser of the Altitude broadcast stated, this season feels like the most unselfish season MacKinnon has ever played. Of course, we know how he is in terms of the media: He never makes any big deal out of his accomplishments. While he could be excited on the inside, he hardly lets it be shown to the world, although, you could see the biggest smile on his face. That was refreshing.
It’s already known that MacKinnon is one of the best players in Colorado Avalanche history. He’s played in 855 career games, which ranks fourth in team history. He’s fifth all-time in team history with 362 goals—six short of becoming the third all-time, which would pass Peter Stastny (380). MacKinnon is 32 assists away from passing Stastny in career assists (he’s ranked 3rd). MacKinnon is 48 points away from passing Stastny in career points. (All stats listed on Pro Hockey Reference).
MacKinnon won the Hart trophy (2023-24), the Ted Lindsay Award (2023-24), the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (2019-20), the Calder Memorial Trophy (2013-14), and he helped the Avalanche in winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. To me, he already deserves a spot in the NHL Hall of Fame. I’m not sure how many other people agree, but if that is the feeling by thousands of people, just wait until he reaches 35 years old. He’ll be an absolute lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame in a couple of years.
The Avalanche have MacKinnon locked in until 2031. He will be 35 years old during that year. Hopefully the Avalanche will be able to lock down the appropriate contract for him around that time, keeping him in burgundy and blue for the entirety of his NHL career.
The Avalanche are cruising through the rest of the season so far after a very active trade deadline—and even prior to it. They went 6-0 in their long homestand, with another division game against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. They are six points behind the Dallas Stars for second place in the division. While they don’t necessarily have to get to second place in the division to make the postseason, it would be amazing if they were able to.
Each time MacKinnon steps onto the ice is a real treat as an Avalanche fan—and hockey fan in general. While MacKinnon doesn’t let emotions get to him too much when it comes to his accomplishments, us Avs fans are eternally grateful for his contributions to the team. Here’s to many more accomplishments and amazing moments, Avalanche fans!