Nathan MacKinnon is gearing up for the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Stockholm, joining fellow Avalanche player Martin Necas. While MacKinnon shines having recently earned MVP honors with Canada, captain Gabe Landeskog, despite his hometown advantage, won't be playing for Sweden. MacKinnon will reunite with Sidney Crosby, adding a nostalgic layer to the competition. This marks MacKinnon's second stint at the worlds, where he previously excelled in 2017, finishing with notable statistics.

Martin Necas, representing Czechia, brings experience to the squad, having participated in the last two tournaments. As last year's champions, the Czechs will face stiff competition, notably from Canada, which boasts a powerful roster. Fans of fantasy hockey and bettors should keep an eye on these players as their performance could significantly impact their respective teams' chances.

Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche faced a disappointing end to their playoff run, falling short against the Dallas Stars just minutes away from advancing. With the offseason approaching, the Avalanche face critical decisions regarding their roster and management. General manager Chris MacFarland's ambitious changes during the season have not yielded the desired results, and questions arise about potential coaching changes, particularly concerning Jared Bednar's future. The team must also address key positions, including the crucial No. 2 center role, with Brock Nelson emerging as a top free agent option. Meanwhile, the status of captain Gabe Landeskog remains uncertain following his limited play due to injuries, and the future of Jonathan Drouin hangs in the balance amid a disappointing second season with the Avs.

In a must-win Game 6, Nathan MacKinnon showcased his playmaking brilliance, assisting on three goals and leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 7-4 triumph over the Dallas Stars, thus avoiding elimination. His performance was complemented by standout contributions from Valeri Nichushkin, who netted two goals, and Martin Necas, who scored his first playoff goal for the Avs. Cale Makar, despite a slow series, also recorded his first goal and provided crucial assists, highlighting the importance of teamwork. Coach Jared Bednar praised the perseverance of his squad, stressing the need to stay resilient and make smart plays as they head into Dallas for Game 7.

In a thrilling matchup, the Colorado Avalanche outlasted the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout. Martin Necas leveled the game with just 11 seconds left in regulation, and Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen sealed the victory with shootout goals.

Cale Makar netted his 29th goal of the season, contributing to Chicago's lead with a mid-third period strike. The Blackhawks initially surged ahead with Ilya Mikheyev's short-handed goal and Connor Murphy's second marker. Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks goalie, showcased his skills with 29 saves, while Scott Wedgewood made 22 stops for Colorado. This win halted the Avalanche's two-game skid, while the Blackhawks continued their disappointing stretch with their 11th loss in 12 games.

The Colorado Avalanche continued their dominant home form with a decisive 4-0 victory against the Los Angeles Kings. Devon Toews not only contributed defensively but also made notable saves, mirroring the opposing goaltender’s efforts. Martin Necas shone with a pair of goals, while Cale Makar and Jonathan Drouin chipped in with multi-point performances, showcasing Colorado's offensive depth. Coach Jared Bednar praised the team's solid defensive game, noting an overall strong performance as they aim to secure playoff positioning.

Building on their recent form, the Avalanche have an impressive 12-1-1 record since late January, dominating with a remarkable goal differential. This win further cements their status as a formidable contender, as they aim to replicate this intensity and execution through the playoffs. Fans are optimistic, chanting for the Cup as they witness the team's resurgence.