Myers: MacKinnon has 11 more home games remaining during this crazy tear he’s been on and absolutely I believe he'll get at least a point in each of them to eclipse Gretzky. It's pretty amazing the run MacKinnon has been on and yet, it isn't. Since making his NHL debut in 2013-14, MacKinnon has more than half of his points (465 of 864) in 379 home games. Sure, what he's done in previous seasons doesn't necessarily mean anything to this one, but it's about consistency and he has had that. I know the schedule isn't easy for the Avalanche; upcoming home opponents include the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers. But he's come this far, and I like his chances to keep it going to the end.
Price: Don't get me wrong. I love MacKinnon. In fact, when our Trophy Trackers come out next week, you will see I gave him a first-place vote for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. But I think he will somehow go one game without a point at home this season. Looking at the last 11 home games on their schedule, he's going to have to face the Rangers, Predators, Stars and Jets, each team with a Vezina Trophy-caliber goalie and each one in a push for positioning in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And what about the final game of the season, April 18 against the Oilers? Yes, Gretzky set the record with the Kings, but how crazy would it be to see MacKinnon try to break the record at home against Edmonton, where the legend of Gretzky began? It would be great, but I don't think he will get that far.
Myers: It's definitely going to be difficult, but when you're one of the best scorers in the world, you find a way to get the job done. As far as matchups, MacKinnon will get those in his favor being at home. I think two more things work in his favor: the Avalanche's depth and the fact they could be jockeying for position in a very tight Central Division right until the end. MacKinnon isn't the only weapon the Avalanche have, even if he is their most dangerous. And what's going to bring out MacKinnon's best more than critical games? It's been impressive watching what he's done thus far; can't wait to see him make this record his own.
Price: The fact that this is even up for debate is a testament to just how great MacKinnon has been this season, especially at Ball Arena. In his 30 home games this season, he has 65 points (25 goals, 40 assists), which is an average of 2.17 points per game. Of the 63 games he’s played anywhere this season, he’s gone without a point in just 10. That's crazy. And again, I'm not saying he’s going to fall flat on his face, I'm just saying I think there we will one home game -- just one -- where he doesn't get a point, almost because of the odds against him. But would I be shocked if he does do it? Of course not. And who knows what Colorado will do before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday? They could get even stronger and give MacKinnon an even better chance to go for it, which would make for great theatre.
