Quick Read
- Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals, including the overtime winner, as Colorado Avalanche beat New York Rangers 3-2.
- MacKinnon leads the NHL with 24 goals in the 2025 season and has 10 goals in his last nine games.
- Avalanche became the first team to reach 20 wins this season, rebounding after a loss to the Islanders.
- Martin Necas contributed three assists, and Parker Kelly added a goal for Colorado.
- Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves for the Rangers, who have struggled at home this year.
MacKinnon’s Clutch Performance Headlines a Nail-Biter in New York
On a chilly December afternoon at Madison Square Garden, Nathan MacKinnon delivered yet another masterclass in clutch hockey, scoring twice—including a spectacular overtime winner—to drive the Colorado Avalanche past the New York Rangers 3-2. This wasn’t just another game in the Avalanche’s remarkable season; it was a showcase of resolve, skill, and the ability to seize the moment when it matters most.
How MacKinnon Seized the Spotlight
MacKinnon’s fingerprints were all over this contest. With the game knotted at 2-2 in overtime, he collected a pass from Cale Makar, navigated through a pair of Rangers defenders, and coolly lifted a backhand shot over Igor Shesterkin’s glove into the top corner. That goal marked MacKinnon’s 24th of the season, solidifying his position as the NHL’s leading goal scorer—a testament to his relentless drive and talent (Field Level Media, NHL.com).
It wasn’t just the overtime heroics that defined MacKinnon’s night. With just over four minutes left in regulation, he was in the right place at the right time, batting in a rebound off Martin Necas’s point shot to give Colorado a 2-1 lead. MacKinnon’s ability to find space and capitalize on split-second opportunities separated him from the pack, and his eighth multi-goal game of the season—second against the Rangers—demonstrated why he’s the Avalanche’s centerpiece.
Momentum Swings and Resilience
Colorado came into the matchup looking to rebound from a rare defeat—a 6-3 loss to the Islanders that snapped their 17-game point streak. They started strong, jumping ahead midway through the second period thanks to Parker Kelly, who tipped Sam Malinski’s shot past Shesterkin while falling to his knees. The Avalanche dominated stretches of play, outshooting the Rangers and generating high-danger chances, but New York refused to fold.
Conor Sheary gave the Rangers life early in the third, netting his first goal as a Ranger after outpacing Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and firing a high shot over Mackenzie Blackwood. That goal tied the score at 1-1, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
As time ticked down, MacKinnon’s go-ahead goal seemed destined to be the difference, but the Rangers had other plans. With Shesterkin pulled for an extra attacker and less than a minute remaining, Artemi Panarin unleashed a one-timer from the left point, threading the puck through a maze of bodies and tying the game at 2-2.
Defining Moments: Overtime Magic
Overtime belonged to MacKinnon. After surviving a late scare in regulation, the Avalanche regrouped, and their star center took over. The game-winner was vintage MacKinnon—speed, poise, and a finish that left fans breathless. For Avalanche supporters, it was a reminder of why their team is considered a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
The win prevented Colorado from dropping consecutive regulation games for the first time all season and extended their impressive run to 15-1-3 over the last 19 games. MacKinnon now boasts 10 goals and five assists in his last nine games, continuing a torrid stretch that has him at the heart of the league MVP conversation (Associated Press).
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While MacKinnon stole the headlines, the Avalanche’s supporting cast played crucial roles. Martin Necas notched three assists, his vision and passing setting the stage for both MacKinnon’s goals and Kelly’s opener. Parker Kelly’s scrappy netfront presence was rewarded with his second-period tally, and defenseman Sam Malinski quietly contributed with a crucial point shot that led to Kelly’s marker.
Between the pipes, Mackenzie Blackwood rebounded from a tough outing against the Islanders, making 24 saves and keeping Colorado in the hunt during tense moments. On the other side, Igor Shesterkin was stellar, stopping 39 shots and denying MacKinnon five times before finally yielding in the closing stages and overtime.
Rangers’ Effort Falls Short
The Rangers, who have struggled at home (now 3-8-2), showed resilience but ultimately couldn’t hold off the Avalanche’s late surge. Panarin and Sheary provided the offense, and the team had won five of its last six games prior to this defeat. The loss stings, especially after battling back late, but the Rangers remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Statistical Milestones and What’s Next
With the victory, the Avalanche became the first NHL team to reach 20 wins this season (20-2-6). Their balanced attack, depth contributions, and MacKinnon’s MVP-caliber form have made them the team to watch as the season progresses.
Up next, the Rangers will host the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Avalanche travel to Philadelphia to face the Flyers—two tests that will further reveal each squad’s mettle.
MacKinnon’s latest performance is more than just a highlight reel moment—it’s a statement that, when the pressure mounts, he’s the player who can tip the scales. His consistency, leadership, and flair for the dramatic are propelling Colorado’s championship ambitions and making him a central figure in the 2025 NHL narrative.