Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks Preview: MacKinnon, Makar and Necas Lead the Charge

The Colorado Avalanche enter their highly anticipated matchup against the Anaheim Ducks sitting atop the NHL standings with 25 points, holding a slim two-point advantage over their surging opponents. This Tuesday night clash at Ball Arena represents more than just another regular-season contest—it’s a battle between the league’s top two offensive powerhouses and a measuring stick game for both franchises. With the Avalanche riding high on a recent overtime victory against Vancouver and the Ducks arriving fresh off a dominant performance against Winnipeg, all eyes will be on several key performers who could dictate the outcome. Here are three players who will be crucial to watch as Colorado looks to defend home ice.

Nathan MacKinnon continues his historic pace against a familiar opponent

Nathan MacKinnon is currently putting together one of the most impressive stretches of hockey in recent memory, and there’s no sign of him slowing down. The Avalanche superstar leads the entire NHL in both points (29) and goals (14) through the first month-plus of the season, while his 15 assists tie him for sixth in the league. His dominance earned him NHL First Star of the Week honors after posting a staggering 10 points in just three games, including a five-point performance against Vancouver that saw him surpass franchise legend Peter Šťastný for third place on Colorado’s all-time goal-scoring list.

MacKinnon’s current point-per-game pace has him on track for accomplishments not seen in over three decades in the NHL. His eight-game point streak heading into the Anaheim matchup has him playing with the kind of consistency and elevated level that puts him squarely in the Hart Trophy conversation. What makes his start even more remarkable is his ability to impact games in multiple ways—whether it’s his lethal shot from the slot, his playmaking vision that creates opportunities for linemates, or his relentless motor that wears down opposing defenses.

Against the Ducks specifically, MacKinnon has historically been exceptional. In 34 career games against Anaheim, he has posted 44 points with 17 goals and 27 assists, demonstrating a clear comfort level against this opponent. His ability to exploit Anaheim’s defensive structure and find soft ice in high-danger areas has been a consistent theme throughout his career. With the Ducks allowing goals at a rate that suggests defensive vulnerabilities despite their strong record, MacKinnon will look to add to his impressive numbers.

The matchup becomes even more intriguing when considering Colorado’s offensive system under head coach Jared Bednar, which has generated an NHL-leading 46 five-on-five goals this season. MacKinnon operates as the engine of that attack, and his chemistry with linemates Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen has reached new heights. His recent two-goal performance in the opening period against Vancouver, which included a power-play tally from the slot, showcased his scoring versatility and the challenges he presents to penalty-killing units.

Special teams could play a significant role in this matchup, and MacKinnon’s presence on the power play gives Colorado a weapon that can change games in seconds. The Ducks struggled with discipline in their victory over Winnipeg, allowing two power-play goals, and any similar lapses against a MacKinnon-led unit could prove costly. His shot release, deception, and ability to operate effectively from multiple positions on the ice make him virtually impossible to game-plan against completely.

What truly separates MacKinnon in this campaign has been his shot selection and finishing ability. His 14 goals on what projects to be around 60-70 shots suggests he’s shooting at an elite percentage, finding premium scoring chances and converting at a rate that puts pressure on opposing goaltenders from the opening faceoff. Against a Ducks team that scores prolifically but also engages in high-event hockey, MacKinnon’s ability to tilt the ice in Colorado’s favor will be paramount.

Cale Makar’s elite two-way dominance sets the tone from the back end

While MacKinnon garners most of the offensive headlines, Cale Makar has been equally impressive and arguably just as important to Colorado’s success this season. The reigning Norris Trophy contender leads all NHL defensemen in goals (6), assists (16), and points (22), placing him tied for third in assists and tied for seventh in points among all skaters league-wide. His ability to impact the game offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility represents the complete package that makes him one of hockey’s most valuable players.

Makar’s recent two-goal performance in Colorado’s 9-1 demolition of Edmonton demonstrated his offensive ceiling when he finds space to work. His skating ability remains his most lethal weapon—the way he can transport the puck through the neutral zone with speed and control forces opposing teams to make difficult decisions about gap control and coverage assignments. Against Anaheim’s high-tempo attack, Makar’s ability to break up rushes in transition and immediately counter with offense will be crucial to tilting ice time and possession metrics in Colorado’s favor.

What makes Makar particularly dangerous in this matchup is his historical success against Anaheim. In 16 career games against the Ducks, he has registered 17 points with 2 goals and 15 assists, showing a clear understanding of how to exploit their defensive zone coverage. His vision as a passer allows him to quarterback Colorado’s power play with precision, and his ability to walk the blue line while keeping plays alive generates secondary chances that often lead to goals.

The defensive side of Makar’s game often gets overshadowed by his offensive brilliance, but his positioning and hockey IQ allow him to neutralize opposing top lines while playing heavy minutes. He leads the Avalanche in ice time and regularly faces the opposition’s best players, all while maintaining his offensive production. Against a Ducks team featuring dangerous offensive threats like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, Makar’s defensive awareness and ability to break up developing plays before they become dangerous will be tested.

Makar’s partnership with his defensive partner creates one of the most formidable duos in the NHL. His ability to read the play defensively allows him to take calculated risks offensively, jumping into plays at opportune moments to create odd-man rushes or provide an extra body in the offensive zone. The chemistry he shares with MacKinnon has developed into one of the league’s most lethal combinations—over their time together, Makar has accumulated 107 goals and 298 assists with MacKinnon on the ice, showcasing how their games complement each other.

Special teams excellence defines much of Makar’s value proposition. His power-play quarterback role puts him in position to orchestrate attacks against penalty-killing units that must respect both his shooting threat and his playmaking ability. The Ducks’ penalty-kill struggles in their most recent game suggest vulnerabilities that Makar could exploit with his shot from the point or his ability to find seams for cross-ice passes to MacKinnon or other shooters.

Martin Necas provides the secondary scoring punch that elevates Colorado’s depth

The addition of Martin Necas to the Avalanche lineup has provided exactly the kind of secondary scoring depth that championship contenders require. Sitting second on the team in goals (9) while ranking third in both assists (10) and points (19), Necas has seamlessly integrated into Colorado’s offensive system and given head coach Jared Bednar another legitimate scoring threat to deploy in crucial situations.

Necas brings a unique skill set that complements Colorado’s star-heavy lineup. His speed and ability to attack defenses with pace stretches opposing structures and creates openings for linemates. The Czech forward has shown chemistry with various line combinations, demonstrating the kind of versatility that makes lineup construction easier for the coaching staff. His willingness to go to high-danger areas and his quick release make him a constant threat around the net, while his playmaking vision allows him to set up teammates when defenders commit to stopping his shot.

What makes Necas particularly valuable in this matchup against Anaheim is his ability to exploit defensive breakdowns in high-event games. The Ducks play an up-tempo style that generates offense but can also create odd-man rushes the other way when plays break down. Similarly, facing questions about their penalty kill following their recent performance, the Ducks would face challenges if someone like MacKinnon or Necas emerged, who would have contributed on Colorado’s power play that has clicked at critical moments.

Necas has thrived in his new environment with the Avalanche, looking rejuvenated after his time split between Carolina and Colorado over recent seasons. His production rate suggests he’s found a comfort level within the system and with his teammates, and his plus-10 rating indicates he’s contributing defensively as well. The two-way responsibility that Bednar demands from his forwards suits Necas’s game, as he possesses the skating ability to track back and help in his own zone before transitioning quickly to offense.

The depth scoring that Necas provides takes pressure off MacKinnon and Makar to produce every night, though they certainly continue to do so. In playoff-style hockey where games often come down to which team can roll four effective lines, having a player of Necas’s caliber on the second or third line creates matchup nightmares for opponents. Against Anaheim’s defensive structure, which will likely focus significant attention on MacKinnon’s line, Necas could find himself with favorable matchups that he has the skill to exploit.

His shot generation and ability to create scoring chances from various areas of the ice add dimensions to Colorado’s attack. Whether he’s carrying the puck through the neutral zone, crashing the net for rebounds, or finding soft areas in the offensive zone to receive passes, Necas presents problems that require attention. In a game where both teams will likely score multiple goals given their offensive firepower, having that third scoring option could prove to be the difference-maker. Much like how the Avalanche navigated previous challenges this season, depth scoring will be crucial.

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As the Colorado Avalanche prepare to host the Anaheim Ducks in what promises to be one of the most entertaining matchups of the early season, the performances of MacKinnon, Makar, and Necas will largely determine the outcome. With both teams ranking among the league’s highest-scoring offenses—Colorado at 4.00 goals per game and Anaheim at 4.13—defensive structure and timely offense will separate the winner from the loser. The Avalanche hold home-ice advantage and boast superior star power, but the Ducks have proven they can compete with anyone during their impressive start to the campaign.

For Colorado, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement against the only team ahead of them in scoring and one of the few challengers to their claim as the NHL’s best team. MacKinnon’s historic pace, Makar’s elite two-way play, and Necas’s emergence as a legitimate secondary threat give the Avalanche all the tools necessary to control this game. However, as recent matchups have shown, including when teams face dynamic opponents like those featured in other divisional showdowns, nothing is guaranteed in hockey. If these three key players perform to their capabilities and Colorado’s supporting cast contributes as they have throughout this strong start, the Avalanche should be well-positioned to defend home ice and maintain their spot atop the league standings.