The Colorado Avalanche continued their impressive run with a resounding 4-1 victory against the Utah Hockey Club at the Delta Center on December 28, 2024. The win marked the Avalanche's fourth straight, bringing their season record to 22-15-0 and solidifying their position in the race for the postseason.
Artturi Lehkonen was the standout performer of the night, scoring three goals to secure his first career hat trick. The Avalanche's superstar center, Nathan MacKinnon, contributed significantly by registering three assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities as he consistently set up scoring chances for his teammates throughout the game.
The matchup was not only about skill on the ice, as tensions flared early on. Midway through the second period, Lehkonen opened the scoring for Colorado with a well-placed snap shot, assisted by MacKinnon. This goal came as the Avalanche worked to seize control of the game. With the score already 1-0 and under a minute left in the second period, MacKinnon engaged Utah forward Barrett Hayton in what turned out to be a spirited fight.
This marked MacKinnon's first fight in nearly three years. After some pushing and shoving, both players dropped their gloves, and MacKinnon threw several punches, managing to bring Hayton to the ice before the referees intervened. This display of toughness was met with cheers from his teammates on the bench, showing the important role camaraderie plays within the team dynamics.
Yet, the Avalanche's dominance on the ice didn’t end there. Following Lehkonen's goal, Mikko Rantanen added to the Avalanche's lead, scoring another goal. MacKinnon was instrumental once again, providing the assist to Rantanen, enhancing his total points tally for December to 60, which leads the NHL. With several chances created and firm defensive play, the Avalanche seemed poised for victory.
Utah’s Nick Schmaltz did have some say, managing to equalize early in the third period with a deft tip-in goal, assisted by Mikhail Sergachev and Logan Cooley, pulling the game back to level at 1-1. Despite this brief setback, the Avalanche quickly regained control, with Lehkonen scoring his second goal soon after, restoring the lead and raising the energy levels on the ice.
The game's momentum shifted decisively back to the Avalanche after Lehkonen's quick responses. With Blackwood keeping Utah’s attempts at bay, stopping 34 shots, the Avalanche continued to assert themselves offensively. Lehkonen capped off his hat trick with another goal later, hammering home the point of Colorado’s effective teamwork and resilience.
MacKinnon's multi-point effort, now tallying his seventh of the month with four goals and 17 assists, reflects not just his prowess but also the burgeoning chemistry among the Colorado players on the ice. The partnership displayed between MacKinnon and Lehkonen during this game contributes to the Avalanche's growing confidence as they look toward the rest of the season.
Head coach Jared Bednar praised his squad after the game, commenting on their ability to maintain focus and push through adversity. “It’s always important to respond to goals against and keep stepping on the gas,” he said. “With the way our guys performed tonight, we have to keep this momentum going.”
With this victory, the Colorado Avalanche are not only solidifying their position for the playoffs but are also rapidly becoming one of the team to beat. The blend of scoring, defensive resilience, and the willingness to stand up for one another, as demonstrated by MacKinnon’s fight, are all key elements heading forward.
This latest win sends a clear message: the Avalanche are back, and they mean business this season.
