Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon etched his name into the history books Wednesday night, scoring his 50th goal of the season to become the first player in the NHL to reach that mark this year.
The milestone came early in the first period during Colorado’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks at Ball Arena. MacKinnon’s wrist shot from the point slipped past goaltender Kevin Lankinen, igniting the crowd despite the Avalanche’s eventual 8-6 loss to the Pacific Division visitors.
This achievement places MacKinnon in rare company. He joins an exclusive club of players who have hit 50 goals first in their season, a feat that often signals a deep playoff run. Colorado, bolstered by MacKinnon’s production, sits firmly in contention for the Central Division crown and home-ice advantage in the postseason.
NATE DOGG HITS 50 🐶
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 2, 2026
Nathan MacKinnon breaks Filip Hronek’s ankles and then SNIPES his 50th goal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/I0SWOmzRV7
