Nathan MacKinnon showcased his exceptional talent on March 16, 2024, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers. His two-goal performance, capped by a decisive overtime winner, allowed the Avalanche to bounce back from a recent loss, while simultaneously halting the Rangers’ impressive winning streak.
The game unfolded at Madison Square Garden, where MacKinnon scored his second goal just 2:46 into overtime. This marked his NHL-leading 24th goal of the season, further solidifying his status as a key player for Colorado. Earlier in the match, he had already netted a goal at 15:26 of the third period, giving the Avalanche a temporary 2-1 lead.
MacKinnon has been in remarkable form, recording ten goals and five assists over his last nine games. His performance on Saturday highlighted the Avalanche’s resilience after suffering a 6-3 defeat to the New York Islanders just two days prior.
Parker Kelly also contributed to the Avalanche’s success by scoring in the second period, tipping a shot from defenseman Sam Malinsky past Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin at 7:06. Meanwhile, Martin Necas tallied three assists, demonstrating his playmaking ability throughout the match.
The Rangers, who had previously won five out of their last six games, were led by Artemi Panarin and Conor Sheary, both of whom found the net. Panarin’s goal came late in the game at 19:18 of the third period, allowing New York to equalize after trailing 2-1. With Shesterkin pulled for an extra skater, Panarin’s tenth goal of the season kept the Rangers in contention.
Shesterkin, the standout netminder for New York, made an impressive 39 saves, showcasing his skills despite the loss. On the other end, Mackenzie Blackwood recorded 24 saves for the Avalanche, ensuring his team held off the Rangers’ late-game surge.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will host the Vegas Golden Knights on March 17, while the Avalanche are set to visit the Philadelphia Flyers on the same day. With this victory, Colorado continues to assert its dominance in the league, aiming for further success as the season progresses.
