MacKinnon has scored in all 23 of Colorado’s home games (16 goals, 30 assists), tying him with Joe Sakic for the team’s longest home scoring streak (2000-01).
“It’s consistency,” Bednar said. “It’s like that every game. There are very few bad games. There are very few off nights. His conditioning, his preparation, as it has always been, is reaching new heights and that’s why he’s performing at a very high level every night. I’m ready to play.” That preparation is not only physical, but also mental. ”
MacKinnon played in 71 games last season and had 111 points (42 goals, 69 assists).
“I’m not sure [if I have reached a new level]“Last year was a solid year,” McKinnon said. This year, I will always try my best to improve. I think a lot of people are having a great year on our team. I’m definitely getting a lot of bounces right now, so I’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts. ”
That’s a humble way of saying it.
What MacKinnon doesn’t talk about himself is that he’s probably the most dangerous player in the NHL: a fast, skilled, stable 200-foot center in a power forward’s body.
“He’s improved every part of his game,” Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar said. “The important thing for him right now is physicality. I think he’s just attacking plays, attacking the net, finding open areas.”
“He’s leading us right now, probably the best stretch we’ve ever seen.”
Total number of votes (points awarded based on 5-4-3-2-1): Nathan MacKinnon, Florida, Colorado Avalanche, 60 points (8 first-place votes). Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning, 48 points (1 first-place vote). Connor McDavid, F, Edmonton Oilers, 33 points (1 first-place vote). Artemi Panarin, F, New York Rangers, 32 points (1 first-place vote). David Pastrnak, F, Boston Bruins, 17 points. Quinn Hughes, Democrat, Vancouver Canucks, 10 points (1 first-place vote). Sidney Crosby, F, Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 points (1 first-place vote). Jack Hughes, F, New Jersey Devils, 5 points. Sam Reinhart, F, Florida Panthers, 3 points. JT Miller, F, Canucks, 3 points. Auston Matthews, F, Toronto Maple Leafs, 2 points. Jack Eichel, F, Vegas Golden Knights, 2 points. William Nylander, F, Maple Leafs, 2 points.Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets, 1 point
NHL.com independent writer Dave McCarthy contributed to this article.
