Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Avs vs. Capitals: Nathan MacKinnon scores first NHL goal

The top pick in the 2013 draft finally cashed in on Saturday.

by Patrick Iversen
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Part Of
NHL Saturday: Oilers collapse late in Toronto
see all updates

It's been a banner night for the Colorado Avalanche offense. They lead, 5-1, over the Washington Capitals in the third period thanks to some help from top rookie Nathan MacKinnon.

The first overall pick in the 2013 draft scored his first NHL goal in the second period on Saturday. MacKinnon showed off his superb hockey sense on the play, slipping behind Martin Erat to get in perfect position to tap in the pass from Paul Stastny.

No doubt there will be plenty more goals from that kid in the next few years. The Avalanche cashed in twice more in the third period and will be 5-0-0 if they hold off Washington.

More from SB Nation NHL:

• Should you ever choose to be 3-on-5?

• Ben Bishop day-to-day for Lightning

• Suspension coming for Mike Fisher?

• 43-year-old Sergei Federov comes out of retirement

• Jonas Hiller’s awesome Mighty Ducks mask

See More:

More in: NHL Saturday: Oilers collapse late in Toronto

NHL Scores: Varlamov shines, Dubnyk failsNHL Scores: Varlamov shines, Dubnyk fails
By Patrick Iversen
Canucks score on themselvesCanucks score on themselves
By Patrick Iversen
Lupul sends it to overtimeLupul sends it to overtime
By Patrick Iversen

More in NHL

NHL
Florida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smartFlorida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smart
NHL

There’s a lot to like (and a lot to dislike) with this trade.

By James Dator
NHL
How the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynastyHow the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynasty
NHL

The Stanley Cup champs have everything set to turn into a dynasty.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley CupNHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley Cup
NHL

Our first look at the 1st round following the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at allThe Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at all
NHL

The Canes have only one path left to win the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NBA
Ticket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale marketTicket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale market
NBA

Sports are being torn apart by scavengers.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredibleNHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredible
NHL

This is such a good idea.

By James Dator

The Latest