MacKinnon’s all-business season means leading NHL in goals, Hart Trophy chase and occasional smile
DENVER (AP) — There are plenty of reasons for Nathan MacKinnon to smile over one of the finest seasons for him and for the Colorado Avalanche . Actually getting the all-business center to break into a grin, well, that can prove challenging — even for teammates. “Yeah, I can,” Logan O’Connor said with a smile about making his hard-charging, fast-flying fellow forward smile.
“A little bit. ” MacKinnon's intensity burns red hot on the ice. He's been on-point, too, in scoring a career-best 53 goals with one game to go before the playoffs and is in line to capture the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for the first time as the league’s highest goal producer.
MacKinnon's also among the favorites to take home his second Hart Trophy in three seasons as the league’s MVP. His lighter does show through. Like after goals, especially Tuesday night at Calgary when his empty-netter resulted in an assist for Martin Necas and gave Necas his first 100-point season (MacKinnon rushed toward Necas for a celebratory embrace).
Or when MacKinnon talks about winning streaks ("winning is fun," he recently quipped). Or that scene earlier this month when Dallas captain Jamie Benn was trying to get under MacKinnon’s skin with a few pushes. MacKinnon proceeded to touch the cheek of Benn with his glove, drawing a grin from Benn ("Just saying hi," Benn commented).
Teammates can bring out MacKinnon's playful side by making fun of something. Warning: Tread carefully. “I don’t know if I'd necessarily tell you guys (the media) to do that," said O'Connor, whose team finishes the regular season Thursday against Seattle.
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