DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche stormed to victory over the St. Louis Blues, delivering a commanding 5-0 defeat at Ball Arena on Friday night. The game, which featured four goals scored by the Avalanche within the first period, marked another significant step as the team prepared for the upcoming 4 Nations Faceoff.
Jonathan Drouin lit up the scoreboard with two goals and one assist, showcasing his newfound synergy with his teammates. Alongside him, Martin Necas commemorated his first goal as an Avalanche player after being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last week. Cale Makar and Joel Kiviranta also added their names to the score sheet, bringing the Avalanche's win tally to 30 for the season.
Head Coach Jared Bednar was pleased with the performance, asserting, “There weren’t any gaps in our game. All four lines going again, so no passengers and really, no lapses.” This collective effort was evident from the outset as the Avalanche dominated their divisional rival, outshooting the Blues 21-6 during the first 20 minutes of play.
The scoring frenzy kicked off less than five minutes after the puck dropped. Drouin, positioned on the second line, displayed remarkable hand-eye coordination, batting down Juuso Parssinen's centering pass from mid-air to net the first goal at 4:57. Less than three minutes later, Necas capitalized on his speed, slicing through the neutral zone and firing a wrister past Blues goalie Joel Hofer to establish a 2-0 lead.
Necas, who stated, “Big game, big win for us, and ready to build on it,” is starting to find his rhythm with the Avalanche, collecting five points over his first four games. Bednar noted, “He’s got great offensive instincts,” emphasizing the impact Necas has had since joining the team.
The power play emerged as one of the standout features of the game, with Drouin and Makar both converting chances. Drouin’s second goal came at 14:43 when he seized on a loose puck, hitting it home from the right circle. Makar then delivered another power-play goal at 17:25, beating Hofer with a well-placed shot through traffic, leaving the scoreboard reading 4-0 at the end of the first.
The Avalanche didn't let up as the game progressed. They maintained their intensity, continually applying pressure and controlling the game’s tempo. Mackenzie Blackwood, making his presence felt with 19 saves, earned not only his first shutout as an Avalanche goalie but also his second of the season. Bednar praised Blackwood's performance, highlighting how every part of the game seemed to click for the team.
Despite the victory, it’s fair to say the Blues had their struggles, particularly from Hofer, who, after allowing four goals, failed to provide the necessary support for his team. At times, his efforts on the ice were lackluster and inconsistent, giving up key rebounds. His performance drew attention, leading fans and commentators to question if there was enough depth on the blues' roster to match the Avalanche’s sharpness on the night.
That said, the Avalanche's robustness was on full display as they capped the scoring with Kiviranta's goal at 13:21 of the third period. He logged his shot past Hofer, cementing the night with the final score at 5-0.
With this emphatic win, the Avalanche demonstrated their capacity for dominance against the Blues, who are now on the verge of crisis after suffering four consecutive losses. This emphatic scoreline reinforces Colorado's aspirations as they approach the playoffs, and it keeps the team riding high as they eye the competitive stakes set by the 4 Nations Faceoff.
Friday night was not just another win; it was indicative of the Avalanche's desire to be seen as serious contenders. With their offensive talents clicking and their lineup proving to be dynamic, fans have much to be optimistic about as they move forward this season.