Nathan MacKinnon etched his name further into Colorado Avalanche history, reaching a new milestone in the team's lore. In the recent 5-4 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks, MacKinnon scored his 381st career goal, surpassing Peter Stastny to claim the third spot on the franchise's all-time goals list.
Only Joe Sakic (625) and Michel Goulet (456) have more goals in the franchise's history. However, both Sakic and Goulet accumulated the majority of their goals while playing for the Quebec Nordiques, before the team relocated to Denver in 1995, making MacKinnon the leading goal scorer since the team's arrival in Colorado.
MacKinnon's achievement was part of a stellar performance against the Canucks, where he also contributed three assists. Gavin Brindley's first-career NHL overtime goal sealed the win for the Avalanche. Artturi Lehkonen also scored twice in the game. MacKenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots, securing his first win of the season.
MacKinnon's consistent offensive prowess has been a driving force for the Avalanche. His playmaking abilities complement his goal-scoring talent, making him a potent offensive threat. His contributions have propelled the Avalanche to the top of the league standings.
His 14 goals currently lead the NHL. He also leads the NHL in points with 29. MacKinnon is currently riding a nine-game point streak. In his last two games against the Oilers and Canucks, MacKinnon has tallied an impressive nine points.
The Avalanche have been on a roll, having won five of their last six games and earned at least a point in each game during that stretch. Their plus-22 goal differential is the best in the NHL.
The Canucks' goals were scored by Linus Karlsson, Kiefer Sherwood, and Jake DeBrusk. Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves for the Canucks.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised Brindley and gave him more opportunities by placing him on MacKinnon's line. Bednar also celebrated his 400th NHL victory.
With MacKinnon leading the charge, the Colorado Avalanche appear poised for continued success.
