Avalanche teenager Nathan MacKinnon snapped a 16-game goals drought Saturday night by driving to the net in what might have stemmed from his switch from center to right wing. He joined the Matt Duchene-centered line about 10 days ago and has been more involved with the offense, specifically using his speed to drive to the net and draw penalties.
MacKinnon drew two penalties at Buffalo last week and two more in the next game at Detroit. As a center, he has a tendency to drive into the offensive zone and pull up, looking for his trailer or linemate across the ice.
“I feel like I can cheat a little bit (playing wing),” MacKinnon said after Saturday’s morning skate.
Cheating is good, because the Avs want him to use his speed and put fear into the defenseman covering him — and have Duchene handle the defensive responsibilities playing center.
No regret. The World Junior Championship began Friday in Montreal and Toronto, and it’s MacKinnon’s birthright and privilege to have an opportunity to play for Team Canada. Instead, he’ll miss the WJC for the second consecutive year by honoring his NHL contract.
University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher of Team USA is the only Avalanche-drafted player at the under-20 WJC. MacKinnon, 19, would have been the second.
“That’s a junior tournament, and I feel like I belong in the NHL,” said MacKinnon, who played in the 2013 WJC as a 17-year-old. “I wouldn’t mind being there, but I’d rather be here.”
PHOTOS: Colorado Avlanche lose to Chicago Blackhawks, 5-2
Footnotes. Avs defenseman Erik Johnson scored in the first period Saturday for his 10th goal, with six in the last six games. He is on a four-game goal streak and tied with the most goals among defenseman. His 10 goals match his career high and surpass the nine he had in 80 games last season. … Chicago forward Brad Richards and defenseman Michal Rozsival were scratched because of injuries and did not travel with the Blackhawks. … Colorado’s healthy scratches were defenseman Nick Holden and goalie Reto Berra. Forward Jesse Winchester, who has yet to play this season after suffering a preseason concussion, continues to practice with the Avs but said his vision problems and other irritating symptoms have not decreased.
