The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2, showcasing their powerful offense and effective special teams during their NHL matchup at the Honda Center on Friday night.
Cale Makar had another standout game, providing the Avalanche with both a power-play goal and an assist. Not far behind him, Nathan MacKinnon continued his impressive season with two assists and sealed the game with an empty-net goal, marking another successful outing for the Avalanche as they wrapped up their western road trip with this win.
The Ducks, eager to extend their modest winning streak to three games, initially showcased promise. Leo Carlsson opened the scoring just 2:40 minutes through the second period with a skillful tip-in of Jacob Trouba’s shot, putting Anaheim up 1-0. But as quickly as their lead was established, Colorado’s resilience shone through.
On the heels of Carlsson’s goal, Parker Kelly provided the Avalanche with the equalizer just over six minutes later. Capitalizing on Anaheim's defensive lapse, Kelly scored short-handed, completing a 2-on-1 rush alongside Logan O’Connor after forcing a turnover, displaying Colorado's knack for turning defensive situations to their advantage.
Midway through the second period, the Avalanche struck again. Makar orchestrated the offense with his characteristic flair, taking the puck and firing it past Ducks goaltender John Gibson. Valeri Nichushkin was right there to nudge the puck over the line after Gibson initially blocked Makar's shot, marking Nichushkin's contribution to Colorado’s offensive onslaught.
By the time the third period rolled around, the Avalanche had seized control of the game. Just 3:30 minutes in, Makar caught the Ducks' penalty-killers off guard with another powerful shot, extending Colorado's lead to 3-1 and solidifying their position. Makar's ability to create space and capitalize on opportunities exemplified why he is among the top NHL defensemen this season.
Despite the deficit, the Ducks pushed back. Alex Killorn managed to cut the lead to 3-2 with his goal at 13:05 of the final period, keeping the game competitive. Yet, any momentum Anaheim might have hoped to build was swiftly subdued when MacKinnon converted the empty-netter shortly before the final buzzer.
The Avalanche’s performance was not just about the score; it was about their complete game operation. They demonstrated exceptional special teams play, especially notable was their penalty-kill unit which went 5-for-5 on the night. This has been a pivotal aspect of their recent success and highlights their increased defensive solidity.
Scott Wedgewood, who has recently stepped up as the Avalanche's goaltender since joining from the Nashville Predators, made 30 saves against 32 shots faced. His strong presence instilled confidence within the team, complementing the offensive firepower provided by players like Makar and MacKinnon.
On the Ducks’ end, head coach Greg Cronin was vocal about his team’s effort, emphasizing the solid five-on-five play even though the final score didn’t reflect it. "We played well defensively, and it’s frustrating we didn’t get at least a point," he lamented. His observations highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup and the chances missed by his squad.
The loss marked the end of Anaheim’s two-game win streak, yet signs of improvement were evident. Carlsson, who ended his five-game points drought with his opening goal, showed he could be a key player moving forward.
For the Avalanche, this win had broader implications as they improved their season performance and solidified their standing as contenders. With MacKinnon leading the NHL with 41 assists and continuously racking up points, Colorado's talent pool had never seemed so potent. His consistency highlights the fundamental aspects of the Avalanche's successful formula.
Looking forward, the Avalanche head back home to take on the Seattle Kraken, with high hopes of keeping their winning momentum. The Ducks, on the other hand, will regroup quickly, as they are set to face the Utah team, focusing on translating their first-period dominance seen against Colorado to results on the scoreboard.
Overall, Friday night’s contest showcased the thrilling intensity of the NHL, with the Avalanche displaying their high-octane style of play. Regardless of the outcome, both teams are learning and adapting, priming themselves for the challenges of the season yet to come.
