MacKinnon Hits 40 Goals As Avalanche Shut Out Red Wings

The Colorado Avalanche delivered a statement performance on January 31, 2026, shutting out the Detroit Red Wings 5-0 at Little Caesars Arena and reinforcing their dominance in this storied rivalry. For Avalanche fans, it was a much-needed bounce-back after consecutive losses to the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. With the victory, Colorado not only salvaged a .500 record on their four-game road trip but also extended their remarkable run against Detroit to 14-0-1 in the last 15 meetings. The win sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch in Denver on Monday to complete the home-and-home series.

All eyes were on Nathan MacKinnon, who, after a rare five-game goal drought, erupted for two goals and an assist. In doing so, he became the NHL’s first 40-goal scorer this season and pushed his season point total to 91, trailing only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. MacKinnon’s performance was even more impressive considering he was skating with new linemates due to Martin Necas’ absence. Necas, sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained against Montreal, was listed as day-to-day, and his absence forced some creative line shuffling by Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.

“It’s always tough when you’re missing a key guy like Necas, but we just kept things simple and played our game,” MacKinnon said during the postgame interview, as reported by ESPN. That simplicity paid off, especially on the power play. Although the Avalanche didn’t convert on their two opportunities, they generated 14 shot attempts, their best showing in weeks. Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen joined the top unit, providing fresh energy and keeping Detroit’s penalty kill on its heels.

The scoring started early, with MacKinnon orchestrating a beautiful play to set up Brent Burns, who ripped a shot past Detroit’s John Gibson for the game’s first goal. Burns’ tally was significant for more than just the scoreboard; it tied him with Bobby Orr on the all-time goals list for defensemen, a remarkable feat for the veteran blueliner. The Avalanche’s momentum didn’t waver. MacKinnon soon doubled the lead with a dazzling individual effort, spinning near the blue line and firing a shot through traffic for his first of the game.

Ross Colton, who had gone 25 games without a goal before breaking through in Ottawa, continued his resurgence by scoring for the second consecutive game. “Sometimes you just need a mental reset,” Colton remarked, reflecting on his brief absence due to injury. “I tried to clear my head and get back to basics.” His goal, set up by a slick pass from Brock Nelson, gave Colorado a 3-0 cushion and showcased the team’s depth scoring—something that had been missing in previous outings.

Not to be outdone, MacKinnon added his second goal of the afternoon midway through the second period. The play began with a Detroit turnover in their own zone, quickly pounced on by Artturi Lehkonen, who fed MacKinnon for a one-timer that left Gibson with no chance. Lehkonen, who finished the game with two assists, was a force all over the ice, stepping up in Necas’ absence and proving his value on both ends.

Parker Kelly capped the scoring in the third period with his 12th goal of the season, showing patience and poise as he outwaited Gibson in front of the net. By the final horn, the Avalanche had managed five goals on just 21 shots—an efficient and clinical offensive display that left Detroit searching for answers.

While the offense took center stage, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood quietly put together one of his finest performances of the season. Blackwood stopped all 28 shots he faced, earning his third shutout of the year and the 17th of his career. He was sharp from the opening faceoff, tracking pucks through traffic and making several key saves to keep Detroit off the board. For the Red Wings, it was their fourth shutout loss of the season and a disappointing end to a winless three-game homestand.

Detroit’s goaltending tandem of John Gibson and Cam Talbot struggled to contain the Avalanche attack. Gibson, who started the game, was pulled after the second period, having allowed four goals on limited shots. Talbot finished the game, combining with Gibson for 16 saves. The Red Wings, now blanked at home for the fourth time this season, will have to regroup quickly before heading to Denver for the series finale.

For Colorado, the win marked the end of a roller-coaster January. After losing only twice in regulation during the first three months of the season, the Avalanche finished January with a 6-6-2 record. The victory, however, could signal a turning point as the team heads into the Olympic break. The players and coaching staff alike emphasized the importance of building momentum and finding consistency, especially as the playoff race heats up.

“We know we can play better than we have lately,” said coach Jared Bednar after the game. “Today was a step in the right direction. Everyone contributed, and we got great goaltending. That’s Avalanche hockey.” The sentiment was echoed in the locker room, where players pointed to the balanced attack and improved special teams play as reasons for optimism.

The Red Wings, meanwhile, will be eager for redemption. Their last home game until March 4 ended in disappointment, and the rematch in Denver promises to be a heated affair. Detroit’s coaching staff will be looking for answers, particularly on offense, after being stymied by Blackwood and the Avalanche defense. The Wings’ inability to generate high-danger chances and their struggles on special teams were glaring issues that must be addressed if they hope to snap Colorado’s recent dominance in the series.

Looking ahead, the Avalanche will aim to sweep the home-and-home and regular-season series against Detroit when the puck drops Monday night at Ball Arena. With key players like MacKinnon firing on all cylinders and the team rediscovering its trademark speed and intensity, Colorado appears poised to make a run as the season’s second half unfolds. The Red Wings, on the other hand, must regroup and find a way to solve a Colorado team that has had their number for years.

As both teams prepare for Monday’s rematch, Avalanche fans can savor a dominant win, highlighted by milestone moments, stellar goaltending, and the return of their offensive swagger. The action isn’t over yet—this rivalry has another chapter to write in just a couple of days.