Avalanche Secure Playoff Spot, Set Sights on Capitals

Nathan MacKinnon leads NHL in goals and plus-minus as Colorado clinches postseason berth

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The Colorado Avalanche have become the first team to secure a playoff spot this NHL season, thanks in large part to the stellar play of star center Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon leads the league in goals (45) and plus-minus rating (+57) as the Avalanche look to continue their strong campaign with a matchup against the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

Why it matters

The Avalanche have made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons and are aiming for their sixth straight 100-point campaign. Their ability to clinch a postseason berth early shows the team's dominance this year, though they recently hit a rough patch before bouncing back. The Capitals, meanwhile, are fighting for a wild-card spot and need every win they can get down the stretch.

The details

In their most recent game, the Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot. MacKinnon had three points in that game, and linemate Martin Necas also had a strong performance with a goal and two assists. The Avalanche had previously lost four of five games, including a 7-2 defeat against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but appear to have regained their form.

  • The Avalanche clinched a playoff spot on March 18, 2026.
  • Colorado defeated the Capitals 5-2 on January 19, 2026 in Denver.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche, leading the NHL in goals (45) and plus-minus rating (+57) this season.

Alex Ovechkin

The veteran captain of the Washington Capitals, who the Avalanche will face on Sunday.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who has guided the team to the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons.

Martin Necas

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who had a three-point game in the team's recent victory over the Blackhawks.

Cale Makar

The star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, who has been a key part of the team's success in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, you work all year for this. Now it's a positioning game, and we want to feel good going into the playoffs, so we have to just keep winning down the stretch here.”

— Cale Makar

“Yeah, it feels good. Let's keep it rolling. I think if you just play like that, there aren't many games we're going to lose. Just a strong overall game. Both goalies (Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood) played the last couple of games great, and just keep it rolling.”

— Martin Necas, Avalanche forward

“I think we know the importance of every game coming in. It's going to take a lot, so every game means a lot.”

— Trevor van Riemsdyk, Capitals defenseman

What’s next

The Avalanche will face the Capitals in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The Colorado Avalanche have cemented their status as one of the NHL's elite teams this season, becoming the first to clinch a playoff spot thanks to the dominant play of Nathan MacKinnon and a deep, talented roster. As they set their sights on a deep postseason run, the Avalanche will look to continue their strong regular season performance against tough opponents like the Capitals.