Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon extends home point-scoring streak to 27 games
Only one player in NHL history has scored in more consecutive home games from the start of the season than Colorado Avalanche elite forward Nathan MacKinnon.
Tensions were high in the Colorado Avalanche's 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks — part of it was whether or not Nathan MacKinnon would continue his home point-scoring streak.
With just 27.5 seconds left in the game, MacKinnon passed the puck to Artturi Lehkonen for an empty-netter to earn a point in the game. The 28-year-old elite center has now scored in every home game this season. He surpassed Bobby Orr to take the No. 2 spot on the longest season-opening home scoring runs list.
"I was wanting him to get it. I mean, he had a couple of good looks. And yeah, you know I think he stays with it right to the very end. I think he was a little frustrated because he had some good chances and then we had the power play at the end where I thought we created some nice chances or at least a couple good looks to the net ...," head coach Jared Bednar said about his star forward. "Yet he knows he's gonna be on the ice at the end of the game, right? So I mean, if we can hold on to a win or build the lead and hold on to a lead then he's gonna get an opportunity with the net empty so I was really happy to see him get it and as long as he can keep that going — I think it's a positive thing for our team."
Wayne Gretzky holds the No. 1 spot on the season-opening home scoring streak list at 40, which he achieved in the 1988-89 season with the Los Angeles Kings. MacKinnon is tied for seventh place with Guy Lefleur for longest home point scoring streak at any time in the season in NHL history.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native could keep rolling at home in the next matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.