MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:31 of the first period with his 10th goal of the season. He blew past Pittsburgh defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to create a 2-on-1 and then beat Tristan Jarry for his third goal in four games after what constituted a slump for the reigning league MVP (no goals and seven points in the previous 10 contests).

The Colorado Avalanche got off to a shaky start to the 2024-25 season. They responded to that move by making two goalie trades just a few days apart, re-setting the position. Now, Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood will play goalie for the team.