Nathan MacKinnon snapped a seven-game goals drought Wednesday night and produced just his second multiple-point game during that stretch. But make no mistake, the Avalanche superstar had not been playing poorly. He just hasn’t been getting rewarded.
MacKinnon has produced 39 shots in his last eight games and leads the NHL in shots (311). Despite falling to fifth in NHL scoring with 88 points and eighth in goals with 34, MacKinnon is still considered a Hart Trophy candidate as league MVP.
“Players will get frustrated — if you’re getting chances and chances and you’re not getting rewarded,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after the 4-3 overtime loss to visiting Anaheim.