Nathan MacKinnon has established himself as one of the NHL’s elite players, especially when it comes to playoff performance.
Let’s dive into the Colorado Avalanche star’s impressive postseason stats and accomplishments.
Nathan MacKinnon Career Playoff Stats
In 77 career playoff games, MacKinnon has tallied 100 points, with 44 goals and 56 assists. His playoff points per game average of 1.30 ranks 15th all-time among players with at least 50 postseason games. MacKinnon’s speed, skill, and competitive drive make him a force in the playoffs.
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 1.43 |
| 2017-18 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 1.00 |
| 2018-19 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 1.08 |
| 2019-20 | 15 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 1.67 |
| 2020-21 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 1.50 |
| 2021-22 | 20 | 13 | 11 | 24 | 1.20 |
| 2022-23 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1.00 |
| Total | 77 | 44 | 56 | 100 | 1.30 |
Some of MacKinnon’s notable playoff stats include:
- 13 goals and 24 points in 20 games during the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run
- 25 points in his first 14 playoff games in 2020, a feat last achieved by Wayne Gretzky in 1993
- A career playoff plus-minus rating of +34
- MacKinnon is the first Avalanche player with two playoff hat tricks and ranks seventh in all-time playoff goals per game
MacKinnon’s playoff success is a testament to his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. His speed and skill make him a constant threat on the ice, and his competitive drive pushes him to perform at the highest level. MacKinnon’s playoff performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most clutch players in the NHL.
Top Performances and Games
MacKinnon has delivered many memorable playoff performances throughout his career. Here are a few highlights:
- In Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals against the St. Louis Blues, MacKinnon scored a breathtaking coast-to-coast goal to complete his hat trick. This goal sealed the Avalanche’s victory and helped them advance to the Western Conference Final. MacKinnon’s speed and skill were on full display as he weaved through the Blues’ defense and beat the goaltender with a quick shot.
- During the 2020 playoffs, MacKinnon recorded a point in 14 consecutive games, tying Joe Sakic’s franchise record from 1996. This impressive streak showcased MacKinnon’s consistency and ability to make an impact in every game. His 25 points in the first 14 games of the 2020 playoffs were the most by any player since Wayne Gretzky in 1993.
- In Game 2 of the 2019 first-round series against the Calgary Flames, MacKinnon scored an overtime winner to give the Avalanche a 2-0 series lead. This clutch goal demonstrated MacKinnon’s ability to perform under pressure and his importance to the Avalanche’s success.
Playoff History and Stanley Cup Win
Despite his individual success, MacKinnon and the Avalanche experienced several disappointing early playoff exits. After a frustrating second-round loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021, MacKinnon famously told reporters, “I’m going into my ninth year next year and I haven’t won sh*t.” This quote exemplified MacKinnon’s competitive nature and his desire to win at the highest level.
However, the 2021-22 season saw MacKinnon and the Avalanche finally break through. They defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win the Stanley Cup, with MacKinnon playing a crucial role. He scored 13 goals and 24 points in 20 games, including a goal in the Cup-clinching Game 6. The championship marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the 26-year-old superstar.
Nathan MacKinnon’s playoff performances have solidified his status as one of the NHL’s most dynamic and impactful players. His speed, skill, and competitive drive make him a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. With a Stanley Cup victory under his belt and his prime years still ahead of him, hockey fans can expect more thrilling playoff moments from the Cole Harbour native in the years to come.
