Nathan MacKinnon, star forward for the Colorado Avalanche, is still processing the disappointment of losing to Team USA in the gold medal game at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite the outcome, MacKinnon expressed gratitude for the overall experience he and Team Canada had during the tournament held in Italy.
Canada’s Dominant Run Through the Tournament
Team Canada entered the Milan Olympics as the clear favorite for the gold medal, demonstrating dominance by going undefeated in the group stage with a 3-0 record. The Canadians scored 20 goals while conceding only 3, finishing with a +17 plus/minus rating. They then advanced past Czechia in the quarterfinals and overcame Finland in the semifinals to reach the final contest against the United States.
The Narrow Loss in the Gold Medal Match
The title game ended in a close 2-1 defeat for Canada. MacKinnon suggested that the better team lost on that day, reflecting on the sting of the result but also emphasizing the positive moments from the competition.
“Obviously, [the loss] stings, still stings, but you know, I had an amazing time, everyone did, and nothing but positive memories from that tournament,” Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche forward
Returning Focus to the NHL Season
After the Olympics, MacKinnon shifted focus back to his NHL commitments. He compiled seven points at the Milan Cortina Games, with four goals and three assists. The Avalanche, holding a strong 39-10-9 record, have won two of their first three games since the Olympic break. Their next challenge is a three-game road trip starting with a Tuesday night game against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
MacKinnon’s Impactful NHL Campaign
In the ongoing 2025-26 NHL season, MacKinnon has excelled with 97 points from 40 goals and 57 assists over 57 games. Looking ahead, he may once again represent Team Canada in future Winter Olympic tournaments, with the Milan experience likely to strengthen both his resolve and leadership.
Nathan MacKinnon mentions that he has nothing but "positive memories" from his time in Milan:
"Obviously, [the loss] stings, still stings, but you know, I had an amazing time, everyone did, and nothing but positive memories from that tournament."
Full morning skate presser ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Y5KAv3LaCd
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) March 2, 2026
