MacKinnon's 52nd Goal Seals It: Avalanche Lock Down NHL's Best Record

The Colorado Avalanche are officially the top seed heading into the playoffs. Nathan MacKinnon buried an empty netter Thursday night to cap a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, clinching the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular season record in hockey. This is the fourth time the Avalanche have won it, tying them with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers for second most all time. Only the Detroit Red Wings have done it more, with six.

MacKinnon's Season for the Ages

MacKinnon didn't just score the clincher either. The guy finished with his career-high 52nd goal of the season and added two assists on the night. That 52-win total ties for the second most in franchise history. The only year they've done better was 2021-22 when they won 56 games. And here's the really wild part: with four games still left to play, Colorado sits at 114 points. If they can get to 120, they'd be doing something they've never done before. Only 12 teams in NHL history have reached that mark. The Bruins did it most recently in 2022-23 with 135.

The Supporting Cast Steps Up

Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog also found the back of the net for Colorado. Mackenzie Blackwood was solid in net, stopping 28 shots. The Avalanche had to get it done without Nazem Kadri (finger) and defenseman Cale Makar (upper body) in the lineup. Maybe the most impressive performance came from 41-year-old Brent Burns on the blue line. His assist Thursday gave him 34 points on the season, tying Nicklas Lidstrom's 2011-12 record for the second most points ever by a defenseman age 40 or older.

Colorado has four games left to chase 120 points. With this core locked in and playing at an elite level, the Avalanche look ready for a deep playoff run.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.