Nathan MacKinnon named NHL’s first star of the week for the second time this season

For the second time this season, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has been named the NHL’s first star of the week. The 22-year old was absolutely dominant with 5 goals - two of which were game winners - and 11 points over four games, helping the Avalanche pick up seven of a possible eight points in the standings.

He started the week off winning first star of the game honors with two goals and an assists in a 3-1 win over the visiting Vancouver Canucks. Then on Wednesday night, MacKinnon was again named first star of the game after adding another two points against the Calgary Flames.

On Friday night, MacKinnon continued to be a force to be reckoned with recording his second five-point outing of the season. He tallied two goals and a trio of assists leading the team to a huge win over their division rival.

MacKinnon finished off the week with only one assist in an overtime loss to the first place Nashville Predators Sunday afternoon.

During the week, MacKinnon set career milestones for goals and assists while becoming the second player from his draft class to record 100 goals in the NHL.

He has pushed his season totals to 31 goals and 77 points, giving him a league-leading 1.35 points per game. While MacKinnon is building his case for the Hart Trophy, he is dragging the Colorado Avalanche towards the playoffs. The team is now only one point out of a Western Conference Wildcard spot - with a game in hand.