Nathan MacKinnon is simply on another level right now. The 23-year-old Avs forward leads the NHL with an eight-game point streak, and has now found the back of the net in three-of-four games against San Jose so far.
With six postseason goals in 2019, MacKinnon joins the elite company of Colorado Avalanche legends like Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.
Forsberg, in 2002, recorded at least one point in 11 consecutive postseason games and had an eight-game point streak in the 2004 playoffs as well. Sakic, in 2004, notched seven goals and tallied 11 points between the Avs’ two series that spring. Coincidentally, Forsberg, Sakic and MacKinnon, all had to face the Sharks during their hot streaks.
Just like the top line of Forsberg, Sakic and Milan Hejduk used to do in the mid-2000s, Colorado’s No. 1 line continues to come up clutch in 2019. Through nine postseason games, Colorado’s top trio has 33 total points (13 goals, 20 assists).
What’s more, MacKinnon isn’t simply throwing up empty stats on the board – the native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is making plays in the biggest moments. In Colorado’s six postseason victories in 2019, the top line has tallied the game-tying or game-winning score eight different times.
With the Western Conference Semifinals tied at two games apiece, the Avs will hope to continue to get the same kind of production from their stars. Following Thursday night’s home victory, the Avalanche will return to San Jose for Game 5, Friday night. The puck will drop at 8:00 p.m MT and will be televised on NBC Sports Network.
