MacKinnon Becomes First NHL Player of 2024-25 to Reach 50 Goals

MacKinnon’s liner from up top beat Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen early in the first period, and he celebrated by sliding on his right knee while pumping his glove. It was the second 50‑goal campaign of his career and the third in Colorado/Quebec history, joining Hall of Famers Joe Sakic and Michel Goulet. He also became the only Avalanche skater to hit 50 goals first in a season. MacKinnon tied Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for second in league points with 121, four behind leader Connor McDavid, and marked his fourth straight season of 110+ points. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised his consistent production over recent seasons.