MacKinnon Redeems Olympic Miss with Clutch Goal to Force OT in Avalanche Win

Hockey is a game of inches, and Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon knows it well.

Less than three months ago, MacKinnon had a prime chance in Canada's gold-medal game against the United States at the Winter Olympics. Positioned to the left of the net with U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hugging the opposite post, he fired a wrist shot just wide.

Team USA rallied in overtime. Defenseman Jack Hughes scored the golden goal, handing Canada silver and a stuffed animal.

On Wednesday night, with time running out in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild, Colorado trailed by one. MacKinnon got the identical chance from a similar spot.

This time, he converted. The shot beat Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt despite his solid position and tied the game.

The Avalanche won in overtime, wearing down the depleted Wild for a sweep.

Colorado advances to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of the Anaheim Ducks-Vegas Golden Knights series.

MacKinnon's form positions the Avalanche as favorites to win the West and the Stanley Cup, given their championship experience and scoring punch.