MacKinnon scores career-high 52nd goal as Avalanche clinch NHL's top seed

Colorado defeats Calgary 3-1 to lock up Presidents' Trophy for best regular season record

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:52am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, with angular, colorful shapes representing the players, rink, and puck of an NHL hockey game.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and movement of an NHL hockey game, with the puck as the central focus.Denver Today

Nathan MacKinnon scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season into an empty net and added two assists as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 to clinch the NHL's top playoff seed. The Avalanche have 114 points with four games left and have a chance to reach 120 points, which would be a franchise record. Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog also scored for Colorado, who were missing key players Nazem Kadri and Cale Makar. Tyson Gross scored his first NHL goal for Calgary, but an Avalanche challenge negated a potential game-tying goal late in the third period.

Why it matters

The Avalanche's Presidents' Trophy win secures home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs as they look to capture their first Stanley Cup since 2001. Colorado has been one of the NHL's elite teams all season, led by the scoring prowess of MacKinnon, who is having a career year. The loss keeps Calgary on the outside of the playoff picture in the tight Western Conference race.

The details

MacKinnon's 52nd goal of the season, a new career high, came into an empty net to seal the win for Colorado. The Avalanche also got goals from Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog, while Tyson Gross scored his first NHL goal for Calgary. The Flames had a potential game-tying goal negated late in the third period after a successful Avalanche challenge for offside. Dustin Wolf made 38 saves in a strong effort for Calgary, while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 28 shots for Colorado.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • With the win, the Avalanche clinched the NHL's top playoff seed with four games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

Colorado Avalanche right wing who scored his career-high 52nd goal of the season and added two assists in the win.

Tyson Gross

Calgary Flames defenseman who scored his first career NHL goal in the loss.

Mackenzie Blackwood

Colorado Avalanche goaltender who made 28 saves to earn the win.

Dustin Wolf

Calgary Flames goaltender who made 38 saves in the losing effort.

Brent Burns

Calgary Flames defenseman who recorded an assist, giving him 34 points on the season which ties the second-most by a defenseman age 40 or older in NHL history.

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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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.