Colorado’s elite forward had a career season that included the second-longest home-point scoring streak in NHL history.
Nathan MacKinnon registered at least a point in 35 of the 41 home games of the 2023-24 season. Only one player in NHL history has scored more consistently on home ice than MacKinnon — no surprise it’s Wayne Gretzky.
The 28-year-old elite forward is not one to focus on accolades, records or streaks. He said he wanted to win the game and was not concerned with earning a point to keep his streak alive after it ended.
“Super impressive. I mean, incredible player … Great for him and I’m sure he’s more concerned about us winning and making the playoffs,” goaltender teammate Alexandar Georgiev said following the streak-ending game. “He was not cheating at any point in the game. He was playing smart hockey, whether it meant playing defense, he did that, so big respect.”
Along with his home-point scoring streak, MacKinnon set new franchise records, tied or surpassed others and achieved career bests. He racked up 140 points in the past season, which topped Peter Stastny’s all-time franchise record for most points in a season (139 in 1981-82) and Joe Sakic’s 120 high for the Avs.
MacKinnon sealed his epic season with the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award — both firsts of his career. His home-scoring streak part of his other level year was kept up as part of his routine.
“The point-streak thing was long. I mean I was doing the weirdest things before games. My car was dirty the whole year, wouldn’t clean it inside and out,” MacKinnon said after the NHL Awards on June 27 in Las Vegas. “Just dumb things that I’d wear. Honestly when it was over I was kind of happy. It was nice, just try to reset and put all these things that I was doing out. I cleaned my car finally, got the smell out.”
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native was the first player in NHL history to record two different 19-game point streaks in the same season. But his consistent scoring at Ball Arena was special.
“I don’t know I just like the whole city and the fans were behind me. They knew what was going on whenever I get a point … they got a little bit of extra cheer even for a second assist sometimes,” MacKinnon said. “Cool streak, I don’t think it’s ever going to happen again, so it was a fun one.”
Colorado’s alternative captain may not think his streak can be replicated or beat but Avalanche fans have faith there is a chance and take pride in the record he set at Ball Arena.