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An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and movement of an NHL hockey game, with the puck as the central focus.Denver Today
Nathan MacKinnon scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season and added two assists as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 to clinch the NHL’s top seed for the playoffs. The Avalanche have a chance to earn 120 points this season, which would be a franchise record. Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog also scored for Colorado, while Tyson Gross netted his first NHL goal for Calgary.
Why it matters
The Avalanche’s Presidents’ Trophy win ensures they will have home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs as they look to capture their first championship since 2001. Colorado has been one of the NHL’s elite teams all season, led by the scoring prowess of MacKinnon.
The details
MacKinnon’s empty-net goal in the final minute sealed the win for the Avalanche, who were without forwards Nazem Kadri and Cale Makar due to injuries. Dustin Wolf made 38 saves in a strong effort for the Flames, who were also missing key players in Blake Coleman and Kevin Bahl. Brent Burns recorded an assist to tie a franchise record for points in a season by a defenseman age 40 or older.
The game was played on Thursday, April 9, 2026.MacKinnon’s empty-net goal came with 55 seconds remaining in the game.
The players
Nathan MacKinnon
Colorado Avalanche right wing who scored a career-high 52nd goal of the season and added two assists in the win.
Tyson Gross
Calgary Flames forward who scored his first career NHL goal in the game.
Brent Burns
41-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman who recorded an assist to tie the franchise record for points in a season by a blue liner age 40 or older.
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What they’re saying
“Nathan MacKinnon scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season into an empty net and had two assists to help the Colorado Avalanche clinch the NHL’s top seed for the postseason with a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.”
— Pat Graham, Associated Press Writer
What’s next
The Avalanche will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday as they look to continue their push for 120 points. The Flames will visit the Seattle Kraken on Saturday to wrap up a six-game road trip.
The takeaway
The Avalanche’s Presidents’ Trophy win underscores their dominance this season and sets them up as the team to beat in the Stanley Cup playoffs. MacKinnon’s historic scoring campaign has been a driving force behind Colorado’s success, and the team will look to translate their regular season excellence into a long playoff run.