Avalanche Defeat Sharks 4-2, MacKinnon Reaches 700 Assists

Artturi Lehkonen scores twice as Colorado secures win before Olympic break.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-2 in their final game before the Olympic break. Artturi Lehkonen scored two goals for the Avalanche, while Nathan MacKinnon recorded his 700th career assist, joining Joe Sakic as the only players in franchise history to reach that milestone. Josh Manson scored the game-winning goal in the third period, and Brock Nelson added an empty-net goal to seal the victory for the NHL-leading Avalanche.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Avalanche atop the Central Division, though their lead has been reduced to five points over the Minnesota Wild. MacKinnon's 700th assist is a significant career achievement, cementing his status as one of the league's elite playmakers.

The details

Lehkonen opened the scoring in the second period, and his second goal came on MacKinnon's 700th assist. The Sharks tied the game early in the third period, but Manson's tiebreaking goal at 12:44 of the final frame put the Avalanche back in front. Nelson's empty-net goal in the final minutes sealed the victory for Colorado.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Avalanche and Sharks will return to action on February 26, 2026, with the Avalanche hosting the Minnesota Wild and the Sharks hosting the Calgary Flames.

The players

Artturi Lehkonen

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored two goals in the game.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Avalanche center who recorded his 700th career assist, joining Joe Sakic as the only players in franchise history to reach that milestone.

Josh Manson

The Avalanche defenseman who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Brock Nelson

The Avalanche forward who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

Yaroslav Askarov

The Sharks goaltender who made 38 saves in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Avalanche and Sharks will return to action on February 26, 2026, with the Avalanche hosting the Minnesota Wild and the Sharks hosting the Calgary Flames.

The takeaway

MacKinnon's 700th assist is a significant milestone for the Avalanche center, cementing his status as one of the league's elite playmakers. The win keeps Colorado atop the Central Division, though their lead has been reduced to five points over the Minnesota Wild.