DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice on power plays and recorded one assist, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a convincing 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Ball Arena on Wednesday night. Mackenzie Blackwood, who previously played for New Jersey, stopped 22 shots to help snap the Avalanche's two-game losing streak.
The Avalanche's scoring was capped off by Artturi Lehkonen, Casey Mittelstadt, and Logan O’Connor, who each added to the score sheet, particularly lighting it up with three goals within 4:04 minutes late in the third period.
“We really needed this win after those last losses,” MacKinnon said, reflecting on the triumphant night. The game was tightly contested until the Avalanche broke free with their third-period eruption.
Lehkonen opened the scoring with his 24th goal of the season, slipping the puck past Devils goaltender Jake Allen at the 8:54 mark of the first period. This goal came as the result of strong teamwork, with Martin Necas feeding Lehkonen after battling against two New Jersey defenders.
The start of the second period highlighted some improvement from the Devils, who managed to dominate possession, holding Colorado without a shot for over six minutes. Yet, their inability to capitalize on scoring chances was evident. Despite some sustained pressure, New Jersey could not find the back of the net, indicating their struggle to turn opportunities to goals.
Blackwood proved instrumental for Colorado, continuing his strong performance against the Devils — out of three starts, he allowed only one goal from 67 shots, including this matchup's first period. His strong play kept New Jersey at bay until things unraveled dramatically late. “It felt good to perform well against my old team,” Blackwood stated postgame.
Despite their efforts, the Devils allowed the Avalanche to stretch their lead early in the third period, as MacKinnon scored during another power play opportunity after Necas's shot rebounded off Allen's pad, directly to him.
New Jersey's Jack Hughes cut the score to 2-1 with his goal off of a perfect pass from Luke Hughes, marking the team's only tally. His one-timer left Blackwood with no chance and briefly revived hope for the Devils. But Colorado's response was immediate and overwhelming.
Just moments later, MacKinnon demonstrated his skill, batting down the puck out of the air to restore the two-goal lead at 3-1. This act underscored his offensive prowess, notching his 23rd goal of the season, which also marked his 90th point overall.
“Credit to the team for bouncing back the way we did and getting those quick goals,” MacKinnon noted, showing his appreciation for the assists provided by his teammates.
With the Devils' defense faltering, Mittelstadt found the net at 16:40, giving them more breathing room. O’Connor capped the night’s scoring at 18:18, sealing the deal at 5-1.
New Jersey seemed out of sync, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities as they failed to match the intensity displayed by the Avalanche. The frustration was palpable as they alternated wins and losses for the past ten games. Coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized the importance of consistency moving forward, stating, “Tonight just wasn’t our night.”
Throughout the match, the Devils faced challenges, one being Allen's frustrating night. He made 31 saves, but one key moment saw him cramp up, impacting his performance. “I can’t really explain it, just wasn't feeling right,” he admitted.
The Avalanche’s victory not only brought them joy, but also gave their team the necessary momentum heading toward the next game against Minnesota, scheduled for Friday night. Meanwhile, the Devils are set to travel to Utah for their next matchup against the Hockey Club, which is to be the franchise's first-ever game there.
Valeri Nichushkin also marked his first game back after being sidelined for nearly two months due to injury. His return was welcomed with open arms, and fans hope his presence will bolster the Avalanche's performance moving forward. “Having him back is like adding fuel to the fire,” MacKinnon said of his teammate.
When evaluating the overall performance of both teams, it's clear Colorado's veterans stepped up. This contrasts with New Jersey’s struggles, highlighting potential areas for improvement as they navigate their season, particularly with the trade deadline looming. The Avalanche, meanwhile, showcased their skating prowess, demonstrating their capacity to capitalize on their opportunities and turning the game around after the second period.
Despite glimpses of hope from Jack Hughes, New Jersey, at this point, must regroup and reflect on missed chances as they prepare for their next encounter. “We can’t afford to let games slip away like this,” Hughes remarked, summarizing the need for urgency and action.