The 2026 Olympic Winter Games have concluded, and they could not have ended in more dramatic fashion if a script was crafted. The spectacular showdown between the United States and Canada again ended in a golden goal – this time for the U.S.
With eight representatives, the Colorado Avalanche had more than a few standouts. The thing that will stand out, aside from Brock Nelson’s contributions to the gold medal winners, is the devastation felt by members of Team Canada. That includes a few prominent Avalanche superstars.
Nathan MacKinnon
There may be no single player more devastated than MacKinnon. After all, he missed a wide-open net that would not only have put the Canadian team ahead, but likely sealed the game for them. It is the kind of moment that haunts an athlete, particularly as one as competitive as MacKinnon, for years.
The mingling looks of frustration, anger, and immense disappointment were evident on the face of MacKinnon during the medal ceremony. This is a moment that MacKinnon will no doubt play over and over in his mind for a long time to come.
Coming out of the Olympic break and in the heat of a scoring race with Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov, this could be the competitive fuel that MacKinnon needs. He started to look a little worn-down heading into the stretch but the prospect of a second major failure – not winning the Stanley Cup – feels like something he won’t let happen without an otherworldly fight.
Cale Makar & Devon Toews
Makar and Toews, the shutdown top pairing for the Avalanche, assumed the same role for Team Canada. For the vast majority of the tournament, they lived up to expectations. That is partially why Matt Boldy’s dazzling goal in the first period of the gold medal game felt so shocking.
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For all the talk of the Canadians outplaying the Americans, this goal shows that both teams were capable of dominant stretches. Makar wound up scoring the lone goal for the Canadians, but he and Toews will no doubt wonder what would have been different if Boldy had been stopped.
Like MacKinnon, Makar looked like he was slowing down going into the break. Will he follow the lead of MacKinnon and come out of the break with his hair on fire? If there is any defenseman that can take the game over, Makar can. And you can bet that Toews will be extra stout and give his dynamic partner the chance to join the rush more often than not.
Brock Nelson’s Success Can Have Similar Effect
It wasn’t all bad for the Avalanche. Joel Kiviranta and Artturi Lehkonen captured bronze with the Finnish team and Nelson was a contributor to the Americans’ gold medal efforts. Though there won’t likely be a lot of discourse about the Olympics, teammates can see that success up close.
For MacKinnon, Makar, and Toews, it is a constant reminder of what could have been. It will also serve as consistent fuel of what can still be gained – a Stanley Cup. Guys like MacKinnon are already hyper-competitive but this is the kind of thing that can take them to another level.
Pushing Down the Stretch
The Avalanche have already been busy, trading Samuel Girard for Brett Kulak. They have been linked to several other names, particularly at center. Management will no doubt take a swing to make the Avalanche better and give them a shot at another title.
For guys like MacKinnon, Makar, Toews, Nelson, and the others who represented their countries, the focus is clear. The goal is to come back to NHL action, dominate once again, and strive for glory in June. The Avalanche have proven winners on their team that are looking to make a statement.
