Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues to bolster his MVP case.
Late in the second period of Colorado’s home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, MacKinnon became the first player to reach 80 points this season when he netted his 20th goal on a power play.
The Avalanche shut out the Flyers 2-0, improving to 31-21-2. MacKinnon finished with one goal on 22 shifts.
MacKinnon aims to become the first player to win back-to-back MVPs (Hart Trophies) since Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
As of Sunday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives MacKinnon the second-best MVP odds (+240) behind Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (+160). Through his first 52 games, Draisaitl had 77 points (36 goals and 41 assists), the second most in the NHL.
If MacKinnon scores more goals throughout the season, he could catch up to Draisaitl.
That could also help the Avalanche secure a wild-card spot in the playoffs. If the postseason started Sunday, Colorado would have the first wild card in the Western Conference.
