Notices Things': What Makes Nathan MacKinnon Such a Special Leader

Nathan MacKinnon’s quiet on-ice communication helped the Colorado Avalanche generate offense after a sluggish start against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday in Denver. With Colorado still scoreless on its first three power-play attempts, MacKinnon noticed a positioning issue in the high slot when Nazem Kadri and Moritz Seider were both in the box for roughing. He motioned for Parker Kelly to move higher into the offensive zone. The adjustment led to T.J. Hughes’ shot, Daniil Tarasov’s rebound, and Necas tapping home the first power-play goal. Colorado scored three power-play goals total and blanked Detroit 4-0.