MacKinnon Reaches 1,100 NHL Points As Avalanche Defeat Capitals

The Ball Arena crowd in Denver erupted Monday night as Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon etched his name deeper into NHL lore, notching his 1,100th career regular-season point in a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. With this milestone, MacKinnon became just the 70th player in league history to reach that lofty mark, capping off a thrilling night with two goals and an assist while leading his team to a much-needed win.

MacKinnon's historic point came with just over three minutes left in the third period, when he buried a feed from Martin Necas to give the Avalanche a commanding 5-2 lead. The crowd, already on its feet, roared as MacKinnon pumped his fist—another chapter written in the storied career of Colorado’s number 29. As of January 19, 2026, MacKinnon leads the NHL with 38 goals and is tied with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the league’s scoring lead at 85 points through 47 games. That’s some serious firepower!

“I just want to play well, feel good, help the team,” MacKinnon said after the game. “In my mind, it could go away any day, so I’m not enjoying (milestones) right now.” His humility was echoed by his teammates, with Victor Olofsson marveling, “It’s very, very impressive. I think probably his best asset is his mentality and work ethic. Doesn’t take any night off, and it’s very hard to play on a level like that consistently every night, so it’s been cool to see.”

The Avalanche needed every ounce of MacKinnon’s brilliance. The squad came into the game shorthanded, missing key contributors like Devon Toews and captain Gabe Landeskog, both out with injuries, and losing Valeri Nichushkin just hours before puck drop due to a car accident. Head coach Jared Bednar described Nichushkin’s injuries as “minor,” but the team had to quickly reshuffle lines. Olofsson was bumped up to the second line with Brock Nelson and Ross Colton, and the trio didn’t disappoint.

Parker Kelly kicked off the Avalanche scoring, tipping in a Cale Makar shot at 5:54 of the first period for his ninth goal of the season—a new career high for the gritty forward. The Capitals struck back quickly, capitalizing on a controversial tripping penalty against Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood. Anthony Beauvillier knocked Wedgewood’s stick out of his hands and then tripped over it behind the net. “I’m just a dirty player,” Wedgewood joked, poking fun at the odd call after the game. Jakob Chychrun pounced on the ensuing power play, rifling home his 18th goal of the season to tie things up.

The second period saw the Avalanche’s top line seize control. After Chychrun was whistled for a double minor high-sticking penalty, MacKinnon and Necas put on a show. Necas dropped a pass in the neutral zone, and MacKinnon, moving at full speed, danced through three defenders before sniping a wrist shot under Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren’s arm for a highlight-reel power-play goal at 7:03. Olofsson then gave Colorado a 3-1 advantage, cleaning up a Josh Manson rebound late in the period—his ninth goal of the season, all scored at home.

The Capitals, determined not to go quietly, responded just 17 seconds later. Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, collected the puck behind the Colorado net and fed Ethen Frank, who slipped a backhander past Wedgewood to cut the deficit to 3-2. Ovechkin, now 40 years old with 917 career goals, may have played his last game at Ball Arena, adding a touch of nostalgia to the night’s proceedings.

The third period featured more drama. Colorado appeared to extend its lead with a beautiful give-and-go goal between MacKinnon and Cale Makar, but Washington successfully challenged for goaltender interference. The call drew the ire of Avalanche players and fans alike, with Bednar venting, “I have no clue what (goaltender interference) is still to this day. I don’t mind saying it.” MacKinnon was equally bemused, quipping, “They have no idea what counts. Nobody does.”

But the Avalanche didn’t let the setback rattle them. Just minutes later, MacKinnon stole the puck and dished it to Artturi Lehkonen, who tapped it in for a 4-2 lead. MacKinnon made sure everyone knew this one would stand, emphatically pointing at the net. Necas and MacKinnon then connected again, with Necas forcing a turnover behind the Capitals’ net and MacKinnon burying his league-leading 38th goal to put the game out of reach.

Scott Wedgewood, who stopped 22 of 24 shots, delivered a steady performance in net. With his wife expecting their second child, this could be Wedgewood’s final start for a little while. “No, (the official’s) thing was my stick was caught in him and caused him to fall. ... I thought Sammy (Girard) had the penalty until he pointed at me. I was just like, ‘Alright,’” Wedgewood said, still smiling about the odd tripping call.

On the other side, Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun continued his impressive campaign with his 18th goal, tying him for the league lead among blueliners, while Ethen Frank chipped in a goal and an assist. Goalie Charlie Lindgren faced a barrage of shots, turning away 39 in a losing effort as Washington began its season-long six-game road trip on a sour note.

MacKinnon’s ascension to 1,100 points is just the latest in a string of remarkable achievements for the 30-year-old. Drafted first overall by Colorado in 2013, he’s captured the Calder Trophy, Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and, of course, helped lead the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup in 2022. In 917 career regular-season games, MacKinnon has amassed 405 goals and 695 assists. His playoff resume is equally dazzling, with 55 goals and 70 assists in 95 postseason games.

Before his NHL stardom, MacKinnon starred for the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads, notching 32 goals and 43 assists in 44 games during the 2012-13 season and helping the team to both a league title and a Memorial Cup championship. That winning pedigree has followed him to Colorado, where his relentless drive and skill have made him one of the game’s elite talents.

For the Avalanche, Monday’s win snapped a two-game skid and provided a much-needed boost after a rough 7-3 loss to Nashville. With key players sidelined and adversity mounting, the team leaned on its leaders—and MacKinnon delivered in spectacular fashion. The Avalanche now look ahead to their next matchup, set to host the Anaheim Ducks at Ball Arena on Wednesday. If MacKinnon’s current form is any indication, fans can expect plenty more fireworks as the season rolls on.

As the final horn sounded and the crowd saluted their star, it was clear: Nathan MacKinnon’s legacy continues to grow, and the Avalanche, powered by their relentless center, remain a force to be reckoned with in the NHL’s ever-competitive landscape.