The Colorado Avalanche decisively defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Pride Night at Ball Arena on Wednesday, snapping their two-game losing streak and showcasing impressive teamwork and execution on the ice.
Nathan MacKinnon led the charge for the Avalanche, scoring two power-play goals and adding one assist, making his mark with another standout performance. Joining him on the scoresheet, Artturi Lehkonen, Casey Mittelstadt, and Logan O’Connor each found the back of the net, contributing to the Avalanche’s victorious scoreline.
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood gave his former team, the Devils, little reason to celebrate, stopping 22 of 23 shots he faced. His performance on the night improved his record to 2-0 against New Jersey, as he has now allowed just one goal across three starts against them since joining Colorado. Blackwood’s steady play was instrumental, particularly as the Avalanche created scoring opportunities against the Devils' defense.
Head Coach Jared Bednar praised the effort of his players, stating, “[It was] highly competitive, passionate hockey. That's what it was. And [there were] no passengers. I loved the effort and the competitiveness and the execution from all of our lines, all of our players, doing whatever they can do, playing as hard as they could possibly play in order to get us a big win.”
The Avalanche found themselves leading throughout the game, with key moments culminating in a three-goal explosion within just 4:04 during the third period, which left the Devils scrambling to regain control. The pivotal stretch began with MacKinnon netting his second goal of the game, and shortly thereafter, Lehkonen and Mittelstadt extended the Avalanche's lead. This offensive outburst seemed to overwhelm the New Jersey defense, as they struggled to respond.
Despite falling behind, the Devils displayed resilience, trying to claw their way back, with Jack Hughes managing to score and cut the lead to 2-1 earlier in the third period. Yet, the Avalanche's fervor on the ice proved too much for New Jersey as they exploded offensively, burying their chances and ensuring they skated away with the commanding win.
On the other side of the ice, Devils goaltender Jake Allen, who made 31 saves, appeared visibly frustrated as he conceded the fifth goal with just 1:42 remaining. Allen had to briefly leave the game due to cramping issues, as noted by Coach Sheldon Keefe, who remarked, “He was cramping up.” With this defeat, New Jersey continued their five-game road trip with much to reflect on.
The game also marked the return of Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin, who returned after nearly two months on the sidelines due to injury. Nichushkin made his presence known by registering five shots during his nearly 18 minutes of play, hinting at his potential impact as Colorado pushes toward the playoffs.
The Avalanche’s home crowd was electrified not only by the victory but also by the celebration of Pride Night, which served as an important reminder of inclusion and support within the community. The atmosphere fueled the players' performance on the ice, showcasing dedication to their craft and to the fans who rallied behind them.
Key moments of the game also included defensive efforts from established players like Dougie Hamilton, who made significant saves to rally his team even during challenging stretches. Notably, there was tension on the ice when Lehkonen inadvertently crashed and knocked over Allen, bringing focus to both the challenges of the physical nature of the game and the need for every player to stay alert.
Not only did MacKinnon’s two goals help him extend his home points streak to 15 games, but it also marked the third time he has achieved such streaks during his career. This milestone reflects not only his personal accomplishments but also the growing synergy within the Avalanche squad as they find ways to maintain momentum throughout the challenging season.
Going forward, the Avalanche will host Minnesota next, hoping to build upon the confidence gained from this victory. Meanwhile, the Devils head to Utah, needing to regroup and strategize after being comprehensively defeated.