Nathan MacKinnon reflects on Olympic experience, says ‘it still stings’

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon was excellent in the Olympics.

Although there’s one moment in the gold medal game he probably wants back.

With Team Canada and Team USA tied 1-1 in the third period, MacKinnon had a good chunk of open net to work with. Unfortunately for him, but good for the Americans, MacKinnon hit the side of the goal and the scored remained even. Team USA would go on to win it 2-1 in OT.

After morning skate on Monday before the Avalanche take on the Los Angeles Kings, MacKinnon spoke with the media for the first time since being back to the NHL grind.

It’s a good interview, where a reflective Nathan MacKinnon is appreciative of the experience, but also you can tell still bummed that Canada left with a silver medal.

🗣️ Nathan MacKinnon

"Just fondly. I had an amazing time. It was a really unique hockey experience. Nothing but good memories, obviously it still stings, but I had an amazing time. Nothing but Positive memories"#GoAvsGo | Powered By: https://t.co/v2bPK9gZsH pic.twitter.com/R6xYhI6my3

— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) March 2, 2026

“Just fondly. I had an amazing time. It was a really unique hockey experience. Nothing but good memories, obviously it still stings, but I had an amazing time, everyone did. And nothing but positive memories from that tournament,” MacKinnon said.

Nathan MacKinnon scored a memorable goal against Team Finland to help Canada reach the finals. Overall, he finished with four goals and three assists, good for seven points.

He also talked about how it felt like playing a bunch of Game 7s “over and over again” and that’s he’s happy to be back with the Avalanche as they try to track down the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Right now, Colorado has 87 points, which is six better than the Minnesota Wild and seven ahead of the Dallas Stars. Making those two teams play in Round 1 while the Avs get a wild-card matchup is obviously of supreme importance.

You get the vibe that’s where Nathan MacKinnon has shifted his focus, while obviously being open about the Olympic experience and the sting of coming up just short of a gold medal.

A Stanley Cup this year would obviously help offset that pain and then some. That’s the journey the Avalanche have officially now begun with 24 regular season games to go before the playoffs get rolling.

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