How Nathan MacKinnon transformed the Colorado Avalanche to Stanley Cup champions

TAMPA, Fla. — Nathan MacKinnon He raised the Stanley Cup above his head, then lowered it to His lips.

The Colorado AvalancheThe team MacKinnon dreamed of playing for when he was a kid became champions for the first-time since 2001. MacKinnon, the 26-year old superstar of their team, had both a goal for and an assist in their victory. 2-1 Game 6 win Over the Tampa Bay Lightning This championship is yours.

MacKinnon looked strange as he lifted the Cup. A beaming smile was something that MacKinnon had never seen at the end any previous playoff series.

“He doesn’t smile too often. He is all business. It was clear that he was excited to lift the flag,” Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said. “I’m so happy for him. Perhaps he can now relax and enjoy the summer a bit.

MacKinnon scored 13 points on his way to scoring 24 in the playoffs. He did everything he could to win a championship for Colorado, and to preserve his legacy as an NHL legend. Even though the Stanley Cup Final didn’t mean much to MacKinnon, the latter was important to him.

“Legacy to who?” You guys?” On media day, he stated that. “I’m having fun day to day. My team deserves the best. That’s all that I am thinking about.

He ended the legacy of Stanley Cup champions to start his own.

MacKinnon stated, “It’s amazing how they went back to-to-back.” “I don’t know if I’m going to get fatter than s— right now so I don’t think we’re going backwards. I know it will be a great experience.

Lightning said that they had to lose before they could win. So did MacKinnon. His nine-year NHL experience was characterized by bitter disappointments during the regular season as well as the postseason. But, one victory proved that it was all worth it. Those years of demanding excellence from his teammates to the point that they became rigid behind-the scenes. MacKinnon’s personal journey, in which he learned from mentors like Sidney CrosbyThe mindset that will unlock your potential for playoff success.

It was worth it all, as Nathan MacKinnon was able to revel in the unbridled joy at bringing a Stanley Cup title to the Avalanche.

He has been a star on the ice. MacKinnon is a star off the ice. Erik Johnson Simply put. He was the guy who would do or say anything to help his team reach its full potential.

“I think what makes him this good is hypercompetitiveness,” said former Avalanche defenseman Ian ColeYou are now a member Carolina Hurricanes. “Even in practice. He’ll do what it takes to win. He’ll do whatever it takes to win, even if it means calling out his teammates.

MacKinnon would do this with great frequency. One of the greatest players on the planet, Lord Stanley, had finally earned a twirl — even though it meant crushing some egos along his way.

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WHEN DEFENSEMAN JOSH MANSON The was traded by Anaheim Ducks He told the Avalanche about MacKinnon’s intensity as an opponent on ice before the deadline. He didn’t realize that MacKinnon’s intensity was much lower than what he experienced away from the games — in practice and in the locker room, as well as in real life.

“He is intense. Scary? That depends on the player. Manson explained that he is intense. He is different because of that. He inspires everyone around him to do better. That’s what makes him so unique. He’s always there for you. He says, “I expect that from you.” “I’m here for the win.”

Many people who worked with MacKinnon saw or felt first-hand the manifestation of these expectations. There is screaming. There is unfiltered advice and blunt criticisms. Every aspect of a workout, including a drill or a fitness plan, should be evaluated for excellence.

“For one the most dedicated players in the league, who devotes so much to the organization, it’s okay if he gets a little too intense when someone behaves the right way. That’s not a problem, he said. Pierre-Edouard BellemareMacKinnon was a friend of ‘MacKinnon’ for two seasons, before he moved to the Lightning last summer.

Cole, Hurricanes defenseman, was part of three seasons with Avalanche during which he considered MacKinnon a friend.

“I don’t think competition is necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it is abrasive. He said that I believe that the competitiveness and that abrasiveness, and the ability to call anyone out at anytime, about any topic, makes men step up and play better. They’re either afraid to be called out, or they don’t want to appear foolish, and they are excited to play better.

The same applies for NHL veterans as well as newbies.

Cole said that many young men feel the same way. “I don’t want to get screamed at and f—ed at,” he stated.

Cale Makar He was one of those players. He was a legend for joining the Avalanche in 2020 playoffs. This was straight from the NCAA. He scored six points in 10 playoff matches and won the Calder Trophy for rookie of the season the following regular-season. He was destined to be a great player.

MacKinnon didn’t like that.

Cole said that Cale had all of the talent in this world. “But Nate was still pushing he. It was not good enough, I told him. Asking him questions about his play on the ice. Telling him that he must be better than what he is doing on the ice. Cale is now one of the NHL’s best players. If you surround yourself with people who can make you better, you will automatically lift yourself up. Nate created that culture.

Makar embraces this culture, and MacKinnon is the reason he practices.

Makar stated, “He’s clearly a touchstone. He’s a very intense man.” “And I think, in my opinion, I’m very competitive.” It’s fun to practice with him. He pushes people to improve, and I enjoy the fact that I try to help others.

Logan O’Connor He was also a young player. After playing in the previous three seasons, this was his first campaign as a full-time Avalanche player.

He’s a role model for many young men. He’s at his best, and is considered to be one of the greatest players in the game. He is always there to push guys, before and after practice. Someone breaks a rep …”

O’Connor paused.

“You need someone who will push everyone. He said that if guys aren’t sharp or sleepy because it’s a long season he’s always there for them to refocus and keep them accountable. This is what I consider the greatest thing about our team. Accountability is a key component of the team. He is one of the few guys who holds everyone to high standards.

These standards don’t mean that you shouldn’t eat junk food, even if they do.

O’Connor declared, “I’m definitely not a candy man.” “Fortunately had nothing to do that.”

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CANONICALLY: THE GREATEST Former Avalanche defenseman was able to illustrate MacKinnons abrasive intensity. Nikita Zadorov last summer. He did a Russian-language interview In which he shared MacKinnon’s dietary standards with him, which he claimed were passed on to his teammates.

“Two decades ago, in Colorado, he got rid all the pop, cream, and desserts.” Zadorov said. “He got rid off them from the dressing rooms and pre-game meals. He also got rid of the white sauce that was used to make pasta. He substituted the pasta with chickpea noodles. He said, “Guys, if your desire is to eat crap, there’s an offseason.” We’ll have no such thing because we won the Cup.

He then compared MacKinnon’s work ethic behind the scenes to Michael Jordan. MacKinnon noticed it popping up on social media.

“I read the first paragraph on Instagram and I was like, ‘I cannot read this.’ I was like MJ to him. MacKinnon said, “Dude you’re so a donkey.” I texted him. “I texted him.

MacKinnon did not deny eating healthy and encouraging his colleagues to do the same.

He said, “Maybe I would give Z crap if he ate a huge chocolate bar.” “But I’m no psycho-eating or anything. “I like to eat what everybody else eats.”

Makar stated that MacKinnon wouldn’t yell at Makar if he saw him eat a cupcake.

He said, “I feel like all that stuff was taken out of context.” “He can have cheat meals. He’s not insane like that.” However, he is clearly well-informed during the season.

Cole is gluten-free and dairy-free. He also watches his own eating habits so he didn’t have to be on MacKinnons culinary list while playing for Avalanche. He said that MacKinnon’s pressure on Cole and his teammates to eat well was real.

“There were some guys on our team who didn’t pull any punches. He says, “You are fat.” Stop eating s —,'” Cole. Cole said that he is correct in his defense. He’s so straight-forward and honest. He says, “I’m not going to give a —..” It’s true.’ It’s true. And it is 99 percent of the times.”

MacKinnon isn’t the only NHL player that places high importance on nutrition.

“He’s quite strict. “But I believe that nowadays all the men are so aware,” Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby, star said. “I’d like to say we’re pretty near.” [in diet], though.”

Crosby and MacKinnon. From Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, two NHL stars. He is now his offseason training partner and idol.

Cole, who was also Crosby’s teammate with Penguins, said, “He and Sid were good friends.”

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CROSBY FIRST METER Nate was 17 when MacKinnon played for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. MacKinnon and Crosby would train in Cole Harbour in the summer.

Before the playoffs began, the Penguins and Avalanche stars spoke. MacKinnon did not share their conversation. Crosby claims that they have had open conversations about hockey, including the mental aspect.

“I believe it’s something that he knows about and I think the most important part of it is acknowledging that. It’s easy to just sit back and say, “I want to improve that.” It’s all about experience. Crosby explained that he will go through new things than he has, and that he will be able to learn from them. “You’re always learning. I still have a lot to learn and I know that he does too.

After joining the league as an anassistant, Crosby has grown into a mature leader. enfant terrible. MacKinnon warns against mistakenly taking this serenity for lack of aggression.

“I wouldn’t say that he’s chilled. He’s one of the most passionate guys I know. I believe he was more open to his emotions earlier in his career. Crosby is now more calm,” MacKinnon stated about Crosby. “It’s better to have that. Every year, I feel like I’m learning a little more. [calmer]. However, I don’t believe I’ll be there any time soon.

MacKinnon took a lot from Crosby’s manner, but he also embraced Sid’s complete immersion in hockey. Cole believes MacKinnon first breathed the sport in 2016-17 when Jared Bednar became the head coach and was the lowest point in the franchise’s history. The Avalanche finished last in league with a.293 percentage.

Cole said that “they are both extremely hockey-centric.” Cole said, “That’s the way Sid has always been wired.” To be fair, Nate made that conscious decision after a really terrible losing season.

“He believed he had to live and breathe, and do all he could to succeed. sucked,” Cole continued. “I believe he made a conscious choice: ‘That was miserable. This was the most miserable season I’ve ever seen. This will never happen again. “I will hold myself and everyone else responsible to ensure that it does not happen again.”

In the years that followed the team’s postseason losses, MacKinnon was more open to teammates and practices. MacKinnon has learned to control his intensity just like Crosby. This is to the Avalanche’s advantage.

Bednar said, “He’s always going gonna push, be the driver for our offense and put a lot on himself. But I feel like he’s letting himself relax a little more.” “He has a bit more confidence in his ability to accomplish the tasks over the years and for the team if he performs his role well. You don’t need to play the perfect game every single night.

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POST-PLAYOFF ELUMINATION MacKinnon has always been open to the possibility of his emotions being displayed in press conferences. He would look devastated, depressed, and totally defeated.

Just like the postseason last year, when the Avalanche were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights This was said by MacKinnon in six games

“There’s always next year. It’s all that we talk about, I feel. That’s what I mean. I’m entering my ninth year next spring and I haven’t won a —.”.

MacKinnon stated that the team’s belief that this year could finally be it led to their sullen denunciation.

“You don’t have many chances. I mean, I could have had two to three chances of winning. Nine seasons. When you feel that you are so close to winning with your team and you don’t, you can bet we’re all upset. He said that it wasn’t me alone, but all the men.

MacKinnon claims he isn’t that guy anymore.

“I feel different from the year before. I was extremely emotional. If we lose, you know I would be very emotional again. He said that he believes the mindset is more balanced and positive. Sometimes, even if you really want it and try so hard to get it, it doesn’t always work out. It is important to win.

It may sound simplistic, but the Colorado Avalanche is now Stanley Cup champions because they failed to become one the previous seasons. They took seven losses and learned from them. San Jose Sharks In 2019, the number of games won grew from 2020 Game 7 overtime defeat to the Dallas Stars; understood the reasons for blowing a series lead to the Golden Knights 2021.

“Every time you lose you need to learn a bit and figure out a few things. Vegas was a big loser and made us forget our strengths. We were a bit timid. “We were a bit hesitant, I believe,” MacKinnon stated. “You don’t win against a rolling team if you play like that,” MacKinnon said.

It is a wonderful coincidence that the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup against Lightning. Both teams have had similar paths to glory. Tampa Bay is open about learning from past playoff failures. Their 2019 first-round playoff sweep At the feet of the Columbus Blue Jackets This is a crucial moment in their history, and shows the Lightning how to play — as well as how to think — in order to win in the postseason.

“Knowing the extent of the damage that caused for the group, it was easy to become mad at one another, point fingers. Everyone looked in the mirror, and everyone came back the following year with a little more of a chip on their shoulders,” Tampa Bay defenseman Zach Bogosian This is what the Lightning said.

Erik Johnson The Lightning’s resilience was an inspiration for the Avalanche, said the Avalanche.

“I believe we understood what they had gone through. They lost to Columbus in the playoffs that year and everybody kind of dismissed them. Johnson stated, “They went through some ups & downs, but now they’re the team everybody is trying to emulate.” “Mentally, it’s been a long journey from where we started. Sometimes, you need to learn from your losses and defeats. Sometimes you need to experience heartbreak in order to win. It was about not being satisfied and staying on the gas.

Makar agreed with Makar: The Avalanche must remain vigilant, no matter the circumstance.

You can eliminate an opponent, for instance, after they’ve placed them on the ropes.

“One thing that we learned last year is that guys would either get frustrated or begin looking ahead when they were losing in games. He said that even if we win a game, it’s possible to lose our footing on the gas. “But I feel like the team, we are so determined in trying to do what’s best and play our winning style.”

The Lightning’s lesson was not just for the players. As amazing as it is to think about now, after back-toback Stanley Cup wins there was also talk of whether the Tampa Bay core should be blown up following a string of playoff disappointments.

“After 2019, after 2019 I was a bit skeptical, I’ll be honest with you that. We kept the band together. Cooper said, “We kept faith.”

Despite not appearing in the third round for four consecutive seasons, the Avalanche achieved the same feat.

It’s a belief. It is a belief deep in your core,” GM Joe Sakic stated. “You must be open to learning. You must learn. Each year we got better. Particularly this year, we competed.”

MacKinnon was a leader and did everything that was asked. He learned that he did not have to win all the games by himself.

“I believe one of the areas he’s improved this year is that he doesn’t put in so much. He seems more relaxed in the team game. Bednar stated that he feels more confident in the team game because he doesn’t place too much pressure on himself. It doesn’t need to be a night of three or four points. Nate is showing me the most growth. We’ve seen him grow into a mature player each year, especially when it comes to playoff time due to the many experiences we’ve shared.

All of this led to the ultimate experience, winning the Stanley Cup together. MacKinnon was the leader.