Nathan MacKinnon Reaches 40 Goals as Avalanche Shut Out Red Wings in Detroit

DETROIT -- The latest breaking update in the NHL scoring race arrived Saturday night when Nathan MacKinnon became the league’s first 40 goal scorer this season, powering the Colorado Avalanche to a 5 to 0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings and extending Colorado’s long standing dominance in the matchup.

MacKinnon scored twice and added an assist, pushing his season total to 91 points and moving him within one assist of 700 for his career. After going five games without a goal, his longest scoring drought of the season, the Avalanche star delivered a statement performance that reinforced his place among the league’s most productive forwards. Only Edmonton captain Connor McDavid sits ahead of him in total points.

Colorado controlled the game from the opening faceoff, jumping out to a 2 to 0 lead in the first period. MacKinnon set up Brent Burns from the right circle for the opening goal, then scored one himself midway through the period by creating space near the blue line and firing a shot through traffic that beat Detroit goaltender John Gibson. The Avalanche capitalized on puck possession and forced turnovers, dictating pace for much of the night.

Ross Colton extended the lead early in the second period before MacKinnon struck again at 13:33 after a Red Wings turnover in their own zone. His 18th career goal against Detroit highlighted a matchup that continues to favor Colorado, which has now gone 14 0 and 1 in its last 15 meetings with the Red Wings. Parker Kelly added a late goal to close out the scoring, while Artturi Lehkonen contributed two assists.

In net, Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a composed performance, stopping all 28 shots he faced to earn his third shutout of the season. Detroit, meanwhile, struggled to generate sustained pressure and was held scoreless for the fourth time this year. Gibson and Cam Talbot combined for 16 saves, with Gibson pulled after the second period as the deficit grew.

The impact of the result is notable for both teams. Colorado finished January with a 6 6 and 2 record after losing only two games in regulation over the first three months of the season, a reminder of the consistency that has kept the Avalanche in the Western Conference race. For Detroit, the loss capped a three game homestand without a win and underscored ongoing offensive challenges as the schedule tightens.

What this means moving forward is clear. MacKinnon’s surge strengthens his case in league wide award conversations and provides momentum heading into the next stretch of games.

The next steps come quickly, as the teams meet again Monday night in Colorado, while Detroit begins a lengthy road swing with its next home game not scheduled until March 4.