Nathan MacKinnon delivers off big hits, scoring as Avalanche seize a 2-0 edge in series with Wild
Nathan MacKinnon is known for his speed and his scoring. The Colorado Avalanche forward crunched Minnesota's Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy in the third period as part of a big game where he scored a goal and notched two assists. “Just excited to play," said MacKinnon, who scored a league-leading 53 goals in the regular season.
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon is known for his speed and his scoring. He can deliver some big hits, too. The Colorado Avalanche forward crunched Minnesota's Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy in the third period as part of a big game where he scored a goal and notched two assists.
Just Nate being playoff Nate. He downplayed the hits after a 5-2 win in Game 2 on Tuesday night gave Colorado a 2-0 lead in the second-round series with the Wild. He was modest about his offensive production as well.
“Just excited to play," said MacKinnon, who scored a league-leading 53 goals in the regular season. “Playoff hockey, obviously, the best the time of year. Just excited and just trying to have a good start.
” MacKinnon joined some exclusive company with his third straight three-point playoff game. The only players to accomplish that feat over the last 40 years are Leon Draisaitl (2022), Mikko Rantanen (2025), Joe Pavelski (2010), Joe Sakic (1997) and Dennis Maruk (1986), according to NHL Stats. “He was unbelievable tonight on both sides of the puck,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said.