Nathan MacKinnon netted his 40th goal of the season with a two-goal performance, powering the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Mackenzie Blackwood earned his third shutout with 28 saves, snapping a mini-slump for the Avalanche. The win extends Colorado's unbeaten streak against Detroit to 15 games.
At Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on January 31, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche dominated the Detroit Red Wings 5-0, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge by scoring twice, including his league-leading 40th goal of the season. This marked the fourth time MacKinnon has reached the 40-goal milestone. Brent Burns opened the scoring at 6:44 of the first period with his 270th career goal, tying Bobby Orr for eighth all-time among defensemen, after a pass from MacKinnon. MacKinnon added his first at 10:03, circling the defense and firing past John Gibson's glove to make it 2-0.
In the second period, Ross Colton extended the lead to 3-0 at 1:24, tipping in a pass from Brock Nelson. MacKinnon's second goal came at 13:33 on a one-timer from Artturi Lehkonen following a turnover, pushing the score to 4-0. Parker Kelly sealed the 5-0 final in the third at 7:35 by knocking in his own rebound. Lehkonen finished with two assists.
Blackwood's 28 saves secured his third shutout of the season and Colorado's first win in four of their last five games (1-3-1), improving their record to 36-8-9. The Avalanche now hold points in 15 straight games against Detroit (14-0-1). MacKinnon, who has 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 22 career games versus the Red Wings, praised the team's forecheck: “It was nice to get a lead and not be chasing the game.” Coach Jared Bednar called it “a very mature game for us.”
For Detroit (32-18-6), who have lost four of five (1-2-2) and three straight, Gibson allowed four goals on 17 shots before Cam Talbot relieved him, making three saves. Captain Dylan Larkin lamented their offense: “We’re just not getting it done offensively. It might look good at times, but the puck isn’t going over the goal line.” Coach Todd McLellan noted early chances missed: “We had two of the game’s best scoring chances in the first five minutes... and five minutes later we’re down 2-0.” He tipped his hat to MacKinnon, comparing him to Connor McDavid.
Notes include forward Martin Necas as a late scratch with a lower-body injury, day to day. Nelson has points in 12 straight road games. The teams rematch Monday in Denver, with MacKinnon viewing it as “a mini playoff series.” The Red Wings have been outscored 9-1 at even strength in their past three games.
