MacKinnon scores in shootout to lift Avalanche over Wild

Colorado's star forward leads team to victory over division rival

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Nathan MacKinnon scored his NHL-leading 43rd goal and netted the winning goal in a shootout, lifting the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday in a matchup between two of the NHL's top four teams in points.

Why it matters

The Avalanche and Wild are fierce division rivals, and this win helps Colorado maintain its position near the top of the Western Conference standings. MacKinnon's offensive production has been crucial to the Avalanche's success this season.

The details

In the shootout, MacKinnon scored the decisive goal to give the Avalanche the victory. The game was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, with MacKinnon scoring one of Colorado's two goals in regulation play.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

The star forward for the Colorado Avalanche, currently leading the NHL in goals scored this season.

Colorado Avalanche

A professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado that plays in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Minnesota Wild

A professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota that plays in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

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What’s next

The Avalanche and Wild will face off again later this season as they continue their battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

MacKinnon's clutch performance in the shootout showcases his elite skill and importance to the Avalanche's success, as they look to make a deep playoff run this season.