The secret weapon driving the Avalanche's 2025-26 season has been revealed
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
The latest development reveals that Colorado Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas are poised to be the driving force behind the team's success in 2025-26, forming the key duo that could elevate the Avalanche's power play to new heights.
While many have been wondering if Necas should be traded, the sample size is still too small to determine how valuable he is to the team heading into next season.
MacKinnon and Necas the key to success for the Avalanche next season.
Katie Bartlett from Mile High Sticking writes that both MacKinnon and Necas excel with their explosive zone entries, elite playmaking ability, and tendency to operate from the left faceoff circle. Their complementary skills create a potent one-two punch on the power play, enhancing the man-advantage rather than limiting it.
"If the top power play unit does not convert on their initial rush into the zone, then they have the opportunity to get set up and make passing plays that turn into goals. Playmakers like MacKinnon and Necas like to play with the puck on their stick to find ways to create premium scoring chances for their team.
By having the two of them, plus Makar, constantly moving the puck around the zone, it will make the defenses have to turn their feet to react and try to stay between the puck and the net." -Bartlett
By having the two of them, plus Makar, constantly moving the puck around the zone, it will make the defenses have to turn their feet to react and try to stay between the puck and the net." -Bartlett
This dynamic opens up lanes that MacKinnon and Necas can exploit with their precise passing. With both on the ice, opposing defenses will struggle to cover one without leaving the other exposed, creating prime opportunities to capitalize.
"Both MacKinnon and Necas prefer to set up in the left faceoff circle so that they can distribute the puck around the ice as desired as well as set up for a one-timer if available. While they are both excellent in those areas, MacKinnon is the slightly better passer while Necas' shot is stronger.
Instead of assigning that area to one or the other, MacKinnon and Necas should work in tandem, taking turns in that spot while the other maneuvers through the zone." -Bartlett
Instead of assigning that area to one or the other, MacKinnon and Necas should work in tandem, taking turns in that spot while the other maneuvers through the zone." -Bartlett
The biggest advantage of pairing MacKinnon and Necas on the power play is their ability to make the top unit faster, more dynamic, and harder to defend, creating plenty of scoring opportunities.
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