Avalanche Clinch NHL's Top Seed with Win Over Flames

Nathan MacKinnon scores career-high 52nd goal of the season

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:25am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors capturing the intense action and energy of an NHL hockey game, with the players' forms blending into vibrant brushstrokes.The Colorado Avalanche's high-octane offense and stifling defense propelled them to the NHL's top regular season record and a Presidents' Trophy clinching victory.Denver Today

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the NHL's top seed for the postseason with a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. Nathan MacKinnon scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season into an empty net and had two assists in the victory.

Why it matters

Clinching the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top regular season team gives the Avalanche home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs as they look to capture their first Stanley Cup since 2001.

The details

MacKinnon's empty-net goal in the final minute sealed the win for the Avalanche, who have now won the Presidents' Trophy four times in franchise history. The Avalanche jumped out to an early lead and held on despite a late push from the Flames.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche, who scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season in the win.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team that clinched the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top regular season team with the victory.

Calgary Flames

The opponent the Avalanche defeated to clinch the top seed in the NHL playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Clinching the Presidents' Trophy is a great accomplishment, but our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup. We still have work to do.”

— Nathan MacKinnon, Center, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will now await their first-round playoff opponent as they look to capture their first Stanley Cup championship in over 20 years.

The takeaway

The Colorado Avalanche have established themselves as the NHL's top team in the regular season, but they will now need to carry that success into the playoffs as they chase their first Stanley Cup title since 2001.