Nathan MacKinnon hints at Avalanche’s plans in final regular season game

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is on the verge of winning the Rocket Richard Trophy.

It sounds like 53 goals will be his final tally for the season.

And who can blame him for perhaps wanting a little rest?

MacKinnon met with the media after the Avalanche beat the Flames on Tuesday night and hinted at the team’s plans for the regular season finale on Thursday against the Kraken.

“I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” MacKinnon said.

Nathan MacKinnon earned that 53rd goal against Calgary, helping Martin Necas secure his 100th point on the season. He also officially win finish with more goals than Montreal’s Cole Caufield (51) now that the Canadiens have completed all 82 games.

Connor McDavid could tie MacKinnon with five goals against the Canucks, but even for him against a bad team that is highly unlikely.

It sounds like Nathan MacKinnon is definitely ready for the playoffs after an incredible regular season that saw Colorado secure the President’s Trophy last week.

“Yeah, we’re looking forward to it. Honestly, just looking forward to the regular season be over,” MacKinnon said. “It feels like a long time the last few weeks here.”

The Avalanche have tied the franchise record for points in a season with 119, matching the 2021-22 team. Still, it appears like head coach Jared Bednar will give a lot of his top players the night off against Seattle, including Nathan MacKinnon. Obviously they’ve all earned it — especially with many playing in the Olympics.

And perhaps the depth pieces on the Avs can get at least one point to set a new record for the most in a year.

Then again, that’s not how this season is going to be defined. It’ll all come down to if Colorado can with another Stanley Cup, which would be the fourth since the franchise moved to Denver 30 years ago.

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