Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon summed up his thoughts in just two words after falling to Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs.

© Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty ImagesNathan McKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In a thrilling NHL matchup, the Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs managed to halt the Colorado Avalanche’s scoring streak, thanks to a stellar performance by goaltender Joseph Woll. With 38 crucial saves, Woll was the hero of the night, while Steven Lorentz scored a shorthanded goal that proved to be the game-winner.

The game, marked by intensity and skill from both teams, culminated in a 2-1 victory for the Maple Leafs, leaving the Avalanche frustrated but convinced they had put up a strong fight. The loss ended Colorado’s streak of nine consecutive games with points, but Nathan MacKinnon, the team’s leader, made it clear they won’t be discouraged by this result.

When asked about the game, MacKinnon summed up his thoughts in just two words: “Just unfortunate.” Despite the defeat, he remained positive and focused on the bigger picture.

“There’s 82 games, there’s going to be weird games like that every year. I thought we played really well,” MacKinnon said, according to NHL.com. “Blackwood played great. Just unfortunate. It’s a good process. We’re not going to win every single game. They had looks too, but we had a ton too. That could have been a 7-6 game.”

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The game was full of highlights, from Auston Matthews’ early goal in the second period to Valeri Nichushkin’s equalizer for the Avalanche. However, it was Lorentz’s shorthanded goal in the third period, capitalizing on an Avalanche miscue, that tipped the scales in favor of the Maple Leafs.

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Woll’s performance was instrumental in maintaining the lead, as he made spectacular saves that left the Avalanche with no options. Despite the loss, MacKinnon emphasized his team’s strong performance and the unpredictable nature of the NHL season.

What’s next for the Maple Leafs and Avalanche?

With this victory, the Maple Leafs are in a favorable position in the Atlantic Division, tied on points with the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Avalanche remain in third place in the Central Division, looking to bounce back from this loss and continue their push toward the playoffs.

MacKinnon’s statement reflects the team’s mentality: focusing on the process and learning from each game, without being derailed by individual results.