Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon reacts after scoring his 50th goal of the season in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By The Canadian Press

Avs forward Nathan MacKinnon becomes 1st to 50 goals this season with early score against Canucks

Apr 1, 2026 | 7:54 PM

DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon became the first NHL player this season to reach 50 goals when his liner from up top beat Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen early in the first period on Wednesday night.

He celebrated the goal with a little extra flair, too, sliding on his right knee while pumping his right glove.

It’s the second 50-goal campaign of MacKinnon’s career. He became the third player in Colorado/Quebec history to notch multiple 50-goal seasons, joining Hall of Famers Joe Sakic (twice) and Michel Goulet (four).

MacKinnon also joins Milan Hejduk (2002-03) as the only skaters in franchise history to hit the 50-goal mark first during an NHL season.

MacKinnon tied Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for second with 121 points. They are four behind league leader Connor McDavid of Edmonton.

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The 30-year-old MacKinnon turned in his fourth straight season of 110 or more points.

“That’s where he’s gotten his production to over the last handful of seasons — high expectations,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said before the game.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Pat Graham, The Associated Press