MacKinnon redeems Milan Olympics miss with playoff heroics

Nathan MacKinnon will forever be linked to one shot at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics—a wide-open net in the gold medal game against the United States that clanged off the side of the post.[1] With Canada and the U.S. tied 1-1 midway through the third period, McDavid fed him a perfect pass from below the left faceoff circle, and U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck was out of position. It was the kind of chance MacKinnon buries 99 times out of 100. Instead, Jack Hughes won it for the Americans in overtime, 2-1, securing their first men’s hockey gold since 1980.[2][1]

The Milan heartbreak

The gold medal game pitted hockey’s fiercest rivals: Canada versus the United States at Milano Cortina 2026. Matt Boldy opened scoring for the U.S. at 6:00 of the first, beating Canada’s Jordan Binnington.[1] Cale Makar tied it early in the second with a wrist shot past Hellebuyck, who stood tall with 41 saves despite Canada outshooting the U.S. 42-28 overall.[2]

Canada dominated possession but couldn’t break through. Multiple power plays, including a 5-on-3, went for naught. Then came MacKinnon’s miss: a pass from Connor McDavid left him alone with the net gaping, but the puck sailed wide into the side netting. Hughes’ OT snipe at 1:41 ended Canada’s gold hopes.[1]

“It’s going to be a while before we get this chance back,” MacKinnon said post-game. “Yeah, it just sucks.”[1] Critics piled on, but the Nova Scotia native internalized it, vowing to practice that shot endlessly. Four years until the next Olympics loomed large.

The loss stung deeper for a star who entered as a favorite. Canada had superior skaters, but Hellebuyck’s heroics and that missed opportunity proved decisive. It became a defining “what if” moment.

Clutch redemption in Game 5

Fast-forward to May 13, 2026, Game 5 at Ball Arena. The Wild jumped to a 3-0 first-period lead on goals from Marcus Johansson (0:34) and Nick Foligno (two).[3] Parker Kelly clawed one back in the second, making it 3-1. The Avalanche swapped goalies from Mackenzie Blackwood to Scott Wedgewood.

Jack Drury narrowed it to 3-2 with 3:33 left. Then, with 1:23 remaining, Martin Necas found MacKinnon further out than in Milan. Wallstedt was squared up, but MacKinnon stickhandled, spotted “a little daylight,” and rifled it under the crossbar into the top left corner.[3] Tie game, 3-3, headed to OT.

Brett Kulak sealed the 4-3 win minutes into overtime, sending Colorado to the Western Conference final.[3] “It doesn’t always go where you want it to,” MacKinnon told reporters, echoing the randomness of his Milan whiff.

The parallels were uncanny: high-pressure shot, trailing team needing a spark. This time, execution prevailed.

A season fueled by purpose

MacKinnon’s 2025-26 regular season was historic. He led the NHL with 53 goals and ranked third in points (127), powering the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche. As we covered when Colorado clinched the trophy, his 52nd goal that night exemplified their dominance.

In the playoffs, he’s elevated further. Through nine games, seven goals tied for the postseason lead, with 13 points (fifth overall, despite two fewer games).[4] The Avs steamrolled the first two rounds, losing just once.

Key playoff contributions:

• Multiple multi-point games, including three points in Game 2 vs. Wild.
• Tied for NHL lead in playoff goals.
• Leading ice time and shot volume.

“Just striving for excellence all season,” MacKinnon said after the Game 5 win. “Losing the way we did last season… it’s just a build-up.” For more on his Hart Trophy contention, check our rankings where he sits second.

Eyes on the conference final

Call it the “Olympics revenge tour.” MacKinnon arrived at camp with new fire, blending last year’s first-round exit with Milan’s pain. The Avs face the winner of Vegas-Anaheim next, with Vegas up 3-2 entering Game 6.[5]

Debates rage if he’s the best Avalanche player ever, surpassing Sakic amid his records. His five-point OT thriller vs. Vancouver hinted at this run.

The path to another Cup runs through Denver’s stars. MacKinnon’s precision under pressure signals deeper resolve.

MacKinnon’s Milan miss could have defined him negatively. Instead, it’s fuel. With the Avs humming and the Western Conference final looming, his “revenge tour” positions Colorado for a championship charge. If he buries the big ones, the Stanley Cup might erase that Olympic echo forever.