Denmark Upsets Canada: Another Disappointing Exit for Nathan MacKinnon

It’s been a rough few weeks for Nathan MacKinnon.

After he and the Avalanche failed to close out a Game 7 where they led 2-0 with a little more than 12 minutes remaining, MacKinnon and Team Canada suffered arguably an even more disappointing collapse in the IIHF World Championships quarter-finals.

Canada led 1-0 before a goal from Nikolaj Ehlers tied it up at 1-1 with 2:17 remaining. Like the Stars did with the Avs, Denmark continued to press and got another tally — the eventual game-winner — from Nick Olesen with 49 seconds remaining.

MacKinnon and Colorado lost 4-2 in regulation despite leading 2-0 nearly midway through the third period.

MacKinnon and Team Canada lost 2-1 in regulation despite leading 1-0 with just over two minutes remaining in the third.

It’s hard to gauge which loss is more difficult to stomach. But it’s safe to say MacKinnon will probably come out swinging next year. He’s got quite a bitter taste in his mouth in a year that began with 4 Nations Face-Off gold.

Add in the trade of his longtime teammate and friend Mikko Rantanen, and it’s likely been as emotional a four-month stretch as MacKinnon has experienced in a long time.

The good news is, MacKinnon made it through the tournament unscathed from a health standpoint. He’s got an entire offseason to train and prepare for what I truly believe is the most pivotal 12 months of this era of Avalanche hockey. Most of that pressure will land on MacKinnon and fellow superstar Cale Makar’s backs.

Martin Necas Also Eliminated

In one of the other quarter-final matchups, Martin Necas and Team Czechia were eliminated by Sweden, falling 5-2. The Swedes are set to take on Team USA on Saturday, while Denmark will face Switzerland in the other semi-final. Necas had an assist on the first Czech tally early in the second period. They were already trailing 3-0 when that goal was scored. Colorado’s winger finished the tournament with three goals and seven points in as many games.

Now begins an offseason that will likely include contract negotiations between his camp and the Avalanche’s front office.