Nathan MacKinnon Hits 50 Goals Again in Stellar Avalanche Season
Nathan MacKinnon reached the 50-goal mark for the second time in three NHL seasons. He scored his milestone goal early in Wednesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks at Ball Arena.
MacKinnon struck 82 seconds into the contest. He wheeled near the left point and snapped a shot past goalie Kevin Lankinen on his first shift.
Recent scoring context
MacKinnon had recorded his 49th goal just two nights earlier. That tally came Monday against the Calgary Flames on a late second-period power-play marker.
He also posted 51 goals two years ago. That season saw him sweep the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
Franchise milestones
MacKinnon is the third player in franchise history with at least two 50-goal seasons. Joe Sakic achieved the feat in 1995-96 and again in 2000-01.
Michel Goulet notched 50-plus goals four straight seasons from 1982-86. Goulet holds the franchise single-season record with 57 goals during the Quebec era.
Mikko Rantanen owns the Denver-era high with 55 goals in 2022-23. Milan Hejduk remains the only franchise player to lead the league in goals, in 2002-03.
League standing and historical context
MacKinnon currently leads the NHL in goals. He is a candidate for the Rocket Richard Trophy for the first time in his career.
He has two seasons with at least 50 goals and 70 assists. Among active players, he is the only one with multiple 50-goal, 70-assist campaigns.
Connor McDavid could join that group with seven more goals this season. Historically, six players have recorded multiple seasons of 50 goals and 70 assists. They are Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, Marcel Dionne, Phil Esposito, and Steve Yzerman.
Age milestones
MacKinnon is the 16th player to score 50-plus goals at age 30 or older. That mark has been achieved 23 times in NHL history.
The most recent occurrence before this season was Zach Hyman in 2023-24. Joe Sakic also appears on that list with a 54-goal season in 2000-01.
What this means for the Avalanche
The team benefits from MacKinnon’s scoring surge during this Avalanche season. His production keeps Colorado among the NHL’s most dangerous offenses.
Fans and analysts will watch whether he claims the Rocket Richard Trophy. Filmogaz.com will continue covering the team and MacKinnon’s pursuit of further milestones.
