Mr. Sakic, Nate is coming for you.

With his first-period goal in Colorado’s 6-3 win over the New York Rangers, Nathan MacKinnon passed Peter Stastny for second place on the franchise’ ‘s all-time scoring list. Two more points later in the game put him at 1,051 for his career, leaving him behind only Joe Sakic and his 1,641 career points.

MacKinnon and fellow superstar Cale Makar were the difference in this one, as the Avalanche became just the fourth team in NHL history to have just one regulation loss in their first 20 games. It was a bit of a slow start for the Avalanche, but once the Rangers scored in the second period to make it 2-1, the ice suddenly became tilted and the road team couldn’t do anything to slow down Colorado.

“I think right now, we’re a resilient group,” Makar said after the win. “We’re finding ways to win, sometimes not like we have in past years.”

With seven straight wins, the Avalanche are creating some separation between themselves and any team close to them in the standings. Earlier in the day, Jared Bednar said that the team is already in “late-season mode” with how it is going about things. As for the hot start, he believes one aspect of the team has played a big role in that.

“I think that’s leadership,” Bednar said. “It’s the focus of the entire group, but if we get off track or things aren’t going the way we want them to go, the leadership group has done a nice job of getting guys back on track and focus on the right things.”

Obviously, a key part of that leadership group is captain Gabriel Landeskog, who played a season-high 18:55 on Thursday night. The captain’s calming influence has allowed guys like MacKinnon and Makar to sit back and focus more on playing as opposed to filling the hole the Avalanche felt the last few years without their leader.

“Everyone has their own leadership style, but (Landeskog) seems to complement all the other leaders we have in the room,” Bednar said.

The production might not be there every night, but there’s no doubt having Landeskog back in the locker room has made a huge difference on this Avalanche team.

Avalanche 6, Rangers 3

What happened: The Avalanche scored five of the last six goals in the game to stay unbeaten in regulation at Ball Arena.

What went right: Most nights, the Avalanche having more stars than the opposing team is the difference. It certainly was in this one, as MacKinnon, Makar and Martin Necas combined for nine points to lead their team to victory.

What went wrong: Gavin Brindley left the game in the first period with what the team is calling a lower-body injury and did not return. After the game, Bednar said he was sore and they’d see how he presents on Friday. The team is currently already missing three regular forwards so if Brindley misses time, it’ll be another test for this team’s depth.

Avalanche goal scorers: MacKinnon (15, 16), Makar (7, 8), Nelson (6), Colton (4)

Rangers goal scorers: Miller (5, 6), Edstrom (1)

Between the pipes: Scott Wedgewood got the start again and picked up another win, stopping 16 of 19 shots. He also picked up the first assist of his career on Nelson’s third-period goal.

What’s next: The Avalanche hit the road for two games, starting in Nashville on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Denver Gazette will be at both road games over the weekend.