Canucks Player Grades: Too much Nathan MacKinnon in 3-1 loss to Avalanche

Breadcrumb Trail Links

The league’s leading scorer struck twice as the high-octane Avalanche remain atop the NHL standings

Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Sign Up

Published Dec 02, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 6 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche brings the puck around the net against Filip Hronek in the second period at Ball Arena on Tuesday night Photo by Matthew Stockman /Getty ImagesArticle content

It snows a lot in Finland.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account

Article content

The white stuff will stay on the ground for up to seven months, so Helsinki native Kevin Lankinen is familiar with snowfall warnings.

Article content

However, avalanche awareness in North America is something else.

In the NHL, it’s called the Colorado Avalanche warning. The league’s highest-scoring team had buried the opposition in rolling to a league-best 18-1-6 record, including 10-0-2 dominance on home ice heading into a Tuesday test against the Vancouver Canucks in Denver.

On a night where the visitors needed to apply pressure in the neutral zone, and not play on their heels against the high-octane Avalanche, they also needed Lankinen to steal a game to conclude a four-game road trip on a positive note. And Lankinen got an early look at how the Avalanche can quickly gain momentum and leave you buried and worried.

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Colorado had offensive-zone possession for a 1:15 span in the first period to put heads on a swivel, and a 12-3 shot advantage at one point, en route to a 3-1 victory that left the Canucks with a 1-2-1 road trip record and further dipping in the wild-card standings to 10-14-3.

“We played great and I hate that we lost to a great team,” said Canucks head coach Adam Foote. “First goal, rebound right to (Nathan) MacKinnon. We know he’s there and we’re a little bit off him. And we lost coverage on another one (goal) and had a 2-on-1 they are going to put those in. We had to bury a few chances early because they capitalize on a few mistakes.

“We had more Grade A looks than they did, but it just shows if you’re a little off, they’re a veteran team and are going to take advantage.”

Canucks Report

Thanks for signing up!

Article content

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

It could have been over early Tuesday, especially during a four-shot sequence that forced Lankinen to deny back-to-back power play one-timers and also sprawl to keep the Avalanche from erasing a 1-0 Canucks lead provided by Linus Karlsson.

However, it only seemed like a matter of time before NHL scoring leader MacKinnon would pull the trigger for his league-leading 21st and 45th point. He did late in the first frame when left unguarded and has hit the scoresheet in 22 of 26 games this season. He then went one better late in the second with a quick release from the slot for his 22nd goal to give the Avalanche a two-goal lead.

The Canucks were outshot 12-4 in that frame, and 31-23 overall, as MacKinnon finished with six shots and nine attempts to cement his place as the game’s most-complete player.

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“We played pretty good, but it’s hard right now, a lot of hockey,” Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said of the four-game trip crammed into seven days. “Wins are the most important things. But if you lose 3-1 instead of 5-1, it’s still losing. Can we build from it (Tuesday) sure, but we’ve got to be ready.”

The Canucks juggled their lines in the third period and pulled Lankinen in order to narrow the deficit, but aside from a trio of chances, they couldn’t close the gap.

Kevin Lankinen, back, makes a glove save of a shot off the stick of Colorado Avalanche centre Ross Colton in the first period Photo by David Zalubowski /APLekkerimaki gets the big look

Jonathan Lekkerimaki has always been projected as an eventual top-six lineup staple at right wing.

Just when that day arrives is up for debate, after all he’s only 21, but time moves fast. The possible trade departures of Kiefer Sherwood — and the injured Conor Garland — are providing incentive and pressure to prove that he belongs in The Show now and doesn’t need more seasoning with the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

It’s up to him to change that narrative that he’s not quite ready for prime time.

On Tuesday, Lekkerimaki was aligned at the outset on the top line with Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane and was also on the first power play unit. The objective was to play at pace and purpose at even strength because Pettersson still considers himself a playmaker first and shooter second. And Kane is having more of a forechecking presence.

Lekkerimaki didn’t have a shot but didn’t look out of place in the high pace, and at one point, shot high and wide on a even-strength chance. And he was a shot option on the left faceoff dot on the power play, that went 0-for-1.

“I think he did a good job,” said Foote. “He’s smart. It’s a tough matchup. He’s going to get bigger and thicker as time goes by, but he’s calm with the puck and doesn’t panic. As he gets more comfortable with the pace and gains more girth, he’ll do some good stuff.”

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood, front, deflects a shot from Linus Karlsson in the second period Photo by David Zalubowski /AP

Advertisement 6

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Confidence name of Karlsson’s game

Linus Karlsson always had the potential to be more than a fourth-line forechecker.

He had to first learn to be reliable in his own zone, not get scored on, and not take a penalty. It’s the credo for bottom-six players. And when he developed a better awareness and willingness to be a net-front presence, it translated into more ice time and more scoring opportunities.

However, it’s his improved speed and confidence that showed again Tuesday. He took a neat cross-ice feed from Arshdeep Bains and calmly went backhand to forehand with a deke to open scoring in the first period for his fifth goal of the season and his fourth in the last eight games.

At 26, he’s a Group 6 unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, but is making a case here to further his career.

“He holds onto pucks down low and is comfortable in tough areas,” lauded Foote. “He can absorb a hit and make a play and has gained some confidence. He’s really getting the structure and he’s a smart guy, so it was nice to see him have some success.”

REPORT CARDS

Advertisement 7

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Evander Kane (C)

Tip chance in third period, left game late in third after collision. Favouring arm.

Elias Pettersson (C+)

One shot, five attempts, many just wide of the mark. Tough night in circle.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki (C)

Didn’t have shot but wasn’t a hindrance on top line and played at pace. Still learning.

Brock Boeser (B-)

Late chance with goalie pulled. Two shots, six attempts, just one goal last nine games.

David Kampf (C)

Quiet night. Not sure what to expect. Sound defensively. Won 55 per cent of draws.

Kiefer Sherwood (B+)

Lots of push, lots of chances. Six shots, eight attempts, four hits. No goals in seven games.

Drew O’Connor (C)

At his best when he plays big, drives the net. Had good presence chance at side of net.

Advertisement 8

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Max Sasson (C+)

Looked comfortable in speed game. Cut to net in third and denied short side. Two shots.

Jake DeBrusk (C)

Not scoring, has good defensive stick. One shot, three attempts. No goals in six games.

Arshdeep Bains (C+)

Another example of speed making him effective in offensive zone. Set up only goal.

Aatu Raty (C)

Started the passing sequence on Canucks goal with strong neutral-zone presence.

Linus Karlsson (B)

Confidence growing. Defensively responsible, skating better, stronger, good net presence.

Quinn Hughes (A)

Wheeling and dealing and nearly scored in third. Four shots, 12 attempts, played 29:27.

Filip Hronek (C+)

Caught up ice on a pinch that allowed Avs 2-on-1 break and goal but otherwise solid.

Advertisement 9

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Pierre-Olivier Joseph (C)

First lesson against Nathan MacKinnon. Don’t lose position and stick check the star.

Tyler Myers (C)

Didn’t really notice the towering blueliner, which was good. Meant was doing his job.

Marcus Pettersson (C-)

Continues to struggle with positioning and physical engagement. Was on third pairing.

Tom Willander (C+)

He skates through the neutral zone so quickly and effortlessly. One shot, two blocks.

Kevin Lankinen (B-)

Kept the Canucks in it when they were under siege. Might want first rebound goal back.

OVERTIME — Foote said Kane appeared okay after a third-period collision in which he was favouring his wrist and left the game. “He just had a scare. He’s going to be fine. I just talked to him. He got a skate in the wrist area and it came down on him, just a fluke. It kind of pierced him a little bit, and I don’t think it’s too deep. He’s had a cut there before.”

bkuzma@postmedia.com

Canucks: Why trading for younger Conor Garland clone won’t be easy

Canucks Schedule: Why Quinn Hughes won’t lose focus to stop the raging Avalanche

Article content

Share this article in your social network

Canucks Player Grades: Too much Nathan MacKinnon in 3-1 loss to Avalanche

Tags: