Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are pivotal players for the Colorado Avalanche, showcasing impressive performances as the season progresses. After reaching the 20-game milestone, a comparative analysis of their earlier seasons reveals significant trends and contrasts in their outputs.
Performance Overview: MacKinnon and Makar
As of the 2025-26 season, both MacKinnon and Makar have continued to solidify their positions as top-tier NHL players. Their statistics after 20 games highlight their contributions to the Avalanche’s success:
Nathan MacKinnon’s Stats
- 2025-26: 16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points, +22, 9 power-play points
- 2024-25: 7 goals, 27 assists, 34 points, +2, 13 power-play points
- 2023-24: 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points, +6, 9 power-play points
- 2022-23: 6 goals, 22 assists, 28 points, +9, 10 power-play points
- 2021-22: 1 goal, 12 assists, 13 points, -1, 3 power-play points (missed 10 games due to injury)
Cale Makar’s Stats
- 2025-26: 8 goals, 20 assists, 28 points, +20, 7 power-play points
- 2024-25: 8 goals, 20 assists, 28 points, -4, 13 power-play points
- 2023-24: 5 goals, 25 assists, 30 points, +18, 10 power-play points
- 2022-23: 6 goals, 15 assists, 21 points, +3, 13 power-play points
- 2021-22: 10 goals, 11 assists, 21 points, +1, 8 power-play points (missed 2 games due to injury)
Key Insights on Their Start
MacKinnon’s trajectory shows notable ups and downs. Notably, his slowest start was in the 2023-24 season, with just 26 points in 20 games. Yet, he went on to win the Hart Trophy that year, highlighting his capacity to excel throughout the season despite a rough beginning.
Makar, on the other hand, has maintained remarkable consistency since entering the league. His ability to contribute significantly from the start of the season remains a valuable asset for the Avalanche.
Comparative Analysis of Power-Play Performance
This season has revealed a striking disparity in power-play effectiveness for both players. Makar, who excelled on the power play last season with 13 points, has struggled to find the net on power plays this year, with only seven points to date. He has yet to score on the power play in the current season.
The Avalanche’s overall power-play performance reflects in both players’ plus/minus ratings, with MacKinnon at +22 and Makar at +20. This suggests that their scoring typically occurs at even strength, underscoring their contributions beyond just special teams.
Conclusion
As the Avalanche looks towards a potentially historic season, both MacKinnon and Makar are poised to lead the charge in their quest for another Stanley Cup championship. With impressive statistics and a solid performance foundation, the next few seasons promise to be exciting for their fans at El-Balad.
