Nathan MacKinnon had three second-period assists to regain the NHL points lead, Martin Necas scored twice and added an assist and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Calgary Flames 4-2 on Thursday night.

It took one game for Nathan MacKinnon to spot a key difference with his new linemate, Martin Necas. MacKinnon sent a pass to Necas on the far side of the ice against the Boston Bruins the day after the Colorado Avalanche’s blockbuster trade sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Necas,

Colorado Avalanche captain Nathan MacKinnon spoke candidly about his feelings following the blockbuster trade that sent his longtime teammate Mikko Rantanen away from the only franchise he'd ever played for. "It's unfortunate," MacKinnon said, per DNVR Avalanche. “Losing a great friend, great teammate. I’m gonna miss him.