We have no words, Nathan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon scored one of the greatest playoff goals of all time Wednesday night at Ball Arena. The Colorado Avalanche were hosting the St.Louis Blues in Game 5 of their Round 2 playoff series.
With the series 3-1 in favor of Colorado, MacKinnon put the team on his back Wednesday to try and eliminate St. Louis. MacKinnon scored a hat trick in Game 5, including a spectacular individual effort in the final four minutes.
With the game tied 3-3 late in regulation, MacKinnon broke the deadlock with a goal you have to see to believe. MacKinnon went end-end in a matter of seconds before toe dragging a Blues’ defender and beating goalie Ville Husso upstairs.
MacKinnon’s goal completed his hat trick and blew the roof off Ball Arena. It appeared Nate had just scored the greatest series-clinching goal of all time:
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Unfortunately, the Blues tied the game in the final minute of regulation and scored in overtime. While MacKinnon’s goal didn’t end up mattering, it’s a play we’ll be talking about for a long time.
MacKinnon was due for a performance like this after failing to score in the series previously. The 25-year-old superstar scored in every game of the Avs’ first-round series sweep over Nashville.
MacKinnon spoke last season after the Avalanche lost to Vegas in Round 2 about how frustrated he was about losing. “I’m in my ninth year now and haven’t won shit,” MacKinnon told reporters.
You could tell by MacKinnon’s performance in Game 5 that he was determined to advance onto the Western Conference Final for the first time in his career. Nate finished with four points and six shots on goal in the overtime loss.
Even though the Blues won the game in overtime, we can all appreciate the skill of MacKinnon to pull these insane moves at full speed.
Wonder what MacKinnon has in store next? Game 6 of Blues vs Avalanche goes Friday night at Enterprise Center.