The Colorado Avalanche secured the NHL’s top regular-season record and the Presidents’ Trophy with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. 1 Nathan MacKinnon capped the game with his league-leading 52nd goal of the season into an empty net while adding two assists, powering Colorado to the clincher despite missing key players Nazem Kadri and Cale Makar.
This marks the fourth time the Avalanche have won the Presidents’ Trophy, tying them with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers for the second-most in league history behind only the Detroit Red Wings’ six. 1 With 114 points and four games remaining, Colorado eyes a franchise-first 120 points.
Game recap: Resilience shines through
Colorado jumped out to an early lead thanks to Martin Necas, who scored the opener and added two assists in a standout effort. The Flames battled back, but the Avalanche defense held firm.
Gabriel Landeskog doubled the lead later in the game, showcasing the team’s depth even without their top center and top defenseman. Mackenzie Blackwood was stellar in net, turning aside 28 shots to preserve the win. View the full box score here.
The Flames managed just one goal, with veteran Brent Burns picking up an assist to reach 34 points on the season—tying a historical mark for defensemen over 40. 1
In the final minute, MacKinnon’s empty-netter sealed it after a Flames push, ensuring the Trophy. The Avalanche improved to 52-16-10.
This victory came on the heels of recent games where clinching scenarios were discussed, highlighting Colorado’s consistency. 2
Key player contributions
MacKinnon’s 52 goals are a career high, underscoring his MVP-caliber season. His two assists set up crucial plays.
Necas stepped up big, notching a goal and two helpers despite the high stakes. Landeskog’s tally was timely, proving the forward group’s balance.
Blackwood’s 28 saves were pivotal, especially without Makar anchoring the blue line. Kadri’s finger injury sidelined him, testing the roster’s depth.
Burns, at 41, reached 34 points with his assist, matching Nicklas Lidstrom’s mark for oldest blueliners. 1
- Top performers for Avalanche:
- Nathan MacKinnon: 1G, 2A, 52 goals total
- Martin Necas: 1G, 2A
- Gabriel Landeskog: 1G
- Mackenzie Blackwood: 28 saves
These efforts highlight why Colorado dominated the regular season.
Historical context for the Avalanche
The Presidents’ Trophy, first awarded in 1985-86, goes to the team with the best record. 3 Colorado’s fourth win places them among elite company.
Previous Avalanche triumphs include standout seasons, with this one tying franchise wins at 52—the second-most behind 56 in 2021-22. 1
Only 12 teams have hit 120 points; Colorado could join them. The Bruins’ 135 in 2022-23 set the recent bar.
Tied with Bruins and Rangers at four each, Detroit leads with six. History shows mixed playoff success for winners, but Colorado aims to buck the trend.
Franchise milestones abound this year. Read the full ESPN recap. 1
What it means for the playoffs
Top seed guarantees home ice throughout the West. Playoffs start April 18. 4
Four games left offer a chance to rest stars and chase records. Momentum is key despite the “Presidents’ Trophy curse.”
Kadri and Makar could return, bolstering the lineup. Depth proved vital already.
Fans recall 2022 Cup run after strong regular season. This positions them as favorites.
Rivals like Dallas lurk, but Colorado’s form suggests a deep run.
The Avalanche enter the postseason rested and rewarded, with history on their side if they seize it.
In clinching early, Colorado sets a tone of dominance. Expect fireworks come playoffs—what a ride ahead for the reigning contenders.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.