Avs Edge Jets as NHL Goals Leader Nathan MacKinnon Nets Pair

MacKinnon scored two goals early in the third period to lead Colorado to victory over Winnipeg.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:58am

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Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals 3:42 apart early in the third period to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night. Jack Drury also scored for the Avalanche, who have won four straight games and increased their Central Division lead to nine points over the Dallas Stars. Mark Scheifele scored twice for the Jets, who trail the Nashville Predators by five points for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Avalanche are the NHL's top team and MacKinnon's goals helped them maintain their lead in the Central Division. For the Jets, the loss was another setback in their quest to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal 13 seconds into the third period, redirecting a pass from Nazem Kadri into the net. He then made it 3-1 with his second goal of the period at the 3:55 mark, tipping in a pass from Artturi Lehkonen. Scheifele scored his second goal of the game at 9:39 to cut the Avalanche's lead to 3-2, but the Jets couldn't net the equalizer in the final minutes.

  • The game was tied 1-1 after two periods.
  • MacKinnon scored his first goal 13 seconds into the third period.
  • MacKinnon scored his second goal at the 3:55 mark of the third period.
  • Scheifele scored his second goal of the game at 9:39 of the third period.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

The NHL's leading goal scorer, who netted two goals in the third period to lead the Avalanche to victory.

Mark Scheifele

The Jets' top scorer, who tallied both of Winnipeg's goals in the game.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The Avalanche goaltender who made 22 saves to earn the win.

Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets' goaltender who made 32 saves in the losing effort.

Artturi Lehkonen

The Avalanche forward who recorded an assist in his return from an 11-game absence.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcased the offensive firepower of the NHL-leading Avalanche, led by the league's top goal scorer in Nathan MacKinnon. While the Jets put up a fight, Colorado's depth and skill proved too much to overcome as they extended their division lead.