MacKinnon’s 30-Game Home Streak Bolstered by Four-Point Night as Avs Shutout Chicago – Sky Bulletin
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At the Pepsi Center in DENVER, Nathan MacKinnon was a dominant force, contributing to the Colorado Avalanche’s impressive 5-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The star player extended his home point streak to 30 games by netting two goals and dishing out two assists on Monday night.
The supporting cast, featuring Jonathan Drouin, Cale Makar, and Zach Parise, also made significant contributions to the Avalanche’s league-leading 24-6-0 home record. Rookie goalie Justus Annunen recorded an awe-inspiring 37-save shutout.
MacKinnon’s ongoing point streak at home only falls short of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky’s record of 40 games set during the 1988-89 NHL season. This memorable evening also marked MacKinnon’s 33rd game of the season with multiple points scored.
The Blackhawks faced a formidable challenge, as this shutout marked their 22nd consecutive road defeat, their last road victory being on Nov. 9 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the valiant effort of goalie Petr Mrazek, who made 32 saves, the Blackhawks were overwhelmed by the Avalanche’s relentless attack.
The series between the teams closed with the Avalanche emerging victoriously in three of the four contests, enjoying a commanding 16-3 scoring advantage across those games.
MacKinnon initiated the game’s scoring spree in the opening period and added a stunning power-play goal for his 39th of the season in the third. With this, he edges closer to his third career 40-goal season and could climb to the fourth-ranked spot in the franchise history for most 40-goal seasons.
Other notable performances included Drouin, who ended his scoring drought with a late first-period goal, making it a 2-0 game. Makar, too, ended a dry spell with his first goal since early February and added an assist to surpass Tyson Barrie as the franchise’s defenseman with the most career assists.
Notably absent from the Avalanche lineup were defenseman Josh Manson due to a lower-body injury and forward Valeri Nichushkin, who is in the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and may soon return to play.
In an exciting family rivalry, Avalanche defenseman Caleb Jones won over his brother, Chicago’s Seth Jones, in their first NHL game as opponents, even adding an assist to his team’s victory. With their father, Denver Nuggets assistant coach Popeye Jones, in attendance, the siblings showcased the competitive spirit they maintain even off the ice, particularly during their offseason training and basketball games.
Both teams look ahead to their next games with the Blackhawks visiting Arizona on Tuesday and the Avalanche hosting the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
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FAQs about Nathan MacKinnon’s Home Point Streak and the Avalanche’s Victory
Q: How long is Nathan MacKinnon’s current home point streak?
A: Nathan MacKinnon has extended his home point streak to 30 games.
Q: What record does MacKinnon’s streak approach in NHL history?
A: MacKinnon’s streak is second only to Wayne Gretzky’s 40-game home point streak that started during the 1988-89 season.
Q: Did any other Colorado Avalanche players achieve career milestones during the game?
A: Yes, Cale Makar’s goal and assist made him the franchise’s defenseman with the most career assists, surpassing Tyson Barrie.
Q: What is the Blackhawks’ current situation regarding road games?
A: The Chicago Blackhawks are on a 22-game losing streak on the road.
Q: What is the significance of the Jones brother’s rivalry in this game?
A: Caleb Jones of the Avalanche and Seth Jones of the Blackhawks played against each other for the first time in an NHL game.
Conclusion
The remarkable streak of Nathan MacKinnon at home has been a significant aspect of the Colorado Avalanche’s success this season. Achieving 30 consecutive home games with a point is an impressive testament to MacKinnon’s consistency and skill. The entire Avalanche team appears well-positioned as they continue to apply pressure and dominate at home, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their season. With each team looking ahead to their next matchups, the Avs seem to have found their stride, particularly in front of the home crowd. Fans and players alike will undoubtedly mark the calendar for MacKinnon’s pursuit of NHL history.
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