Nathan's Reign: How MacKinnon Keeps the Avalanche Electric

Well, would you look at that? Nathan MacKinnon, ever the dynamo, has once again been crowned the NHL’s First Star of the Week. Honestly, it feels less like news and more like an expected outcome these days, doesn't it? The guy is just absolutely electrifying, and his recent run? Nothing short of spectacular, truly. He put up seven points, mind you—four goals and three assists—in just three games. Just think about that for a second. That's a point per game, plus some change, which is, well, pretty standard for him, but still breathtaking.

And those games? He was pivotal. Remember that game-winner against Minnesota? Just pure clutch. And then, a hat trick against Seattle. A hat trick! You could say he was practically skating circles around the Kraken, making a statement with every stride, every shot. This kind of consistent, high-octane performance isn't just about individual glory, though. It’s the engine driving the Colorado Avalanche, keeping them firmly planted near the top of the Central Division, breathing down Dallas's neck, frankly. It makes you wonder, what can't this man do?

But hey, it wasn't just the MacKinnon show, not entirely. There are other glimmers of hope and solid play sparkling around the Avs' roster. Take Jonathan Drouin, for instance. He's been finding his rhythm, a much-needed boost, bagging three points over his last couple of outings. It’s these subtle surges, these collective efforts, that truly round out a team and give it that extra layer of resilience. We're seeing more depth, more contributors, and frankly, that's a beautiful thing to witness.

Speaking of depth, there’s even a whisper, a hopeful murmur, about Pavel Francouz inching closer to a return. And honestly, while Georgiev has been solid, a healthy Francouz would be a welcomed sight, offering a bit more security between the pipes as the playoffs, dare I say it, start to loom large on the horizon. The Avalanche are, as things stand, second in the Central Division, a testament to their overall play, but also a reminder that there’s still work to be done.

Looking ahead, the schedule offers a mixed bag, to be sure. They'll be squaring off against St. Louis, Columbus, and Nashville. Each game presents its own unique challenge, its own chance to solidify their standing or, well, stumble a bit. But with MacKinnon firing on all cylinders, and others finding their stride, the outlook remains, for once, genuinely optimistic.

And hey, just a couple of quick hits from around the league, because the hockey world never sleeps, does it? Connor McDavid, an absolute wizard, just crossed the 900-point mark. Nine hundred! It's astonishing to watch these generational talents re-write the record books in real-time. And over in Toronto, the Maple Leafs decided to ink Nick Robertson to a two-year extension. Good for him, good for them. It’s always interesting to see how these deals play out for young talent. All in all, a busy week in hockey, but really, wasn't it Nathan MacKinnon who stole the show?