Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen Make Avalanche History

The Colorado Avalanche celebrated a historic night on Tuesday as Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen solidified their places among the franchise’s all-time greats. In a commanding 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the dynamic duo set a new record for the most combined goals by two players in franchise history, surpassing the legendary Stastny brothers.

Passing the Stastny Brothers

The Stastny brothers—Peter, Anton, and Marian—crafted their legacy during their time with the Quebec Nordiques, a predecessor to the Avalanche. While the brothers never suited up for Colorado, their contributions remain a key part of the franchise’s rich history.

• MacKinnon and Rantanen have been the backbone of the Avalanche offense for the past decade, proving themselves as one of the NHL’s most potent duos.
• Last season, MacKinnon scored 23 goals assisted by Rantanen, and Rantanen returned the favor with 21 assists on MacKinnon’s goals—both numbers leading the Avalanche.

This year, their chemistry remains unmatched, with Rantanen already logging 12 goals assisted by MacKinnon and MacKinnon scoring 5 goals off Rantanen’s setup.

MacKinnon’s Milestone Night

Tuesday night wasn’t just a win for the Avalanche but also a personal milestone for Nathan MacKinnon, who became the third player in franchise history to reach 600 career assists.

• Other players in this elite club:
  • Peter Stastny
  • Joe Sakic

MacKinnon, already fourth in franchise history in total points, is now just one point behind Michel Goulet, another Hall of Famer and Nordiques legend.

Building a Legacy

MacKinnon and Rantanen are at the heart of the Avalanche’s pursuit of a second Stanley Cup with this core. Their performances continue to elevate their legacy and strengthen their Hall of Fame cases.

Why this matters: A second Stanley Cup would mirror the two championships won by Joe Sakic, who is now the Avalanche’s President of Hockey Operations. Both MacKinnon and Rantanen have the opportunity to add international accolades to their resumes at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, where MacKinnon will represent Team Canada and Rantanen will play for Team Finland.

The Road Ahead

The Avalanche have demonstrated their commitment to success with bold moves, such as recent trades to stabilize their goaltending with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. With their offensive firepower led by MacKinnon and Rantanen, the team is poised for another deep playoff run. This dynamic pair has become synonymous with Avalanche success, driving the team’s offensive engine while inspiring hopes of another Stanley Cup championship. Their commitment to excellence, both in the NHL and on the international stage, sets a high standard for the future of Colorado hockey.

As the Avalanche aim to capitalize on their “all-in” strategy, MacKinnon and Rantanen’s leadership will be instrumental in realizing those championship aspirations. Their achievements are not just a testament to their talent but a reminder of what this core can accomplish when firing on all cylinders.

The season is far from over, and with MacKinnon and Rantanen leading the charge, the Avalanche are well-positioned to make history once again. Keep watching as these stars continue to shine brighter, cementing their place among the greatest in NHL history.