With the absence of Sidney Crosby, there was a question of who was going to step up for Team Canada in the semifinals against Finland. For a period of time this week I was critical of Canadian centre Nathan MacKinnon for not speaking out in the quarterfinal matchup against Czechia when he admitted that he knew there were too many Czech players on the ice during a key Czech Republic goal.
Scored a massive goal against Finland
MacKinnon was the Canadian star on the ice on Friday. As a newly named assistant captain with the injury to Crosby, MacKinnon did his talking when it mattered most.
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The Colorado Avalanche star centre who hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia scored the game-winning goal with 36 seconds left in the third period to break a 2-2 tie in a 3-2 Canada win over Finland. Team Canada captain Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks had the assists.
What we saw in the final minute of the semifinals was the development of Canada’s number one line–MacKinnon, McDavid and Celebrini. The bottom line when Canada’s top players were needed, they came through and in a big way.
MacKinnon in 2025-26
Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nathan MacKinnon of Canada celebrates after scoring their fifth goal against Switzerland in men’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
This season, MacKinnon is putting together another Hart Trophy caliber season in 2025-26. He leads the NHL in goals (40), plus/minus (+48), even strength goals (32) and shots on goal (244).
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MacKinnon also has 53 assists, 93 points, 18 penalty minutes, 22 power-play points, five game-winning goals, 516 faceoff wins, 29 blocked shots, 45 hits, 16 takeaways and 115 giveaways.
The Avalanche are the NHL’s best team
Jan 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
It just so happens that MacKinnon is on the NHL’s best franchise. Colorado has a phenomenal record of 37-9-9 and have 83 points.
MacKinnon is one of five Olympians on the Avalanche who have had great seasons in Colorado. He is joined by Martin Necas (Czech Republic), Cale Makar (Canada), Brock Nelson (United States), and Artturi Lehkonen (Finland).
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