10 Takeaways: Avalanche Still Searching for Execution From MacKinnon, Others
May 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) battle for control of the puck during the second period of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Nathan MacKinnon repeated the word execution several times after the Avalanche lost Game 1. That was the thing that hurt them on Wednesday night, and it was what needed to change for Game 2.
They needed to execute. They needed to generate offense, make plays, and score goals. None of that happened nearly enough on Friday.
The Avalanche’s highest-paid player and most dependent superstar followed it up with just one shot on goal in Game 2. The Avs lost 3-1 by giving up a 1-0 lead they held until midway in the third period off a goal that, once again, came from their third line. With the series shifting to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Colorado trailing 2-0, it’s up to MacKinnon to find his game.
It’s up to him to lead the way, get his line going, and make things difficult for Knights goalie Carter Hart. If the Game 1 loss wasn’t enough of an awakening for MacKinnon, then perhaps this one will be. When Cale Makar plays, the Avs need MacKinnon to be close to his best to win games.
Without Makar, he needs to be at his best. We have not seen anything close to that in two games. It’s a big part of why Colorado is in the position its in after two games at home.
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