The Colorado Avalanche showed resilience during a high-stakes matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, exiting with a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Brock Nelson emerged as a hero, netting the decisive goal in the fourth round of the shootout, while also contributing significantly during regulation with a goal and an assist.
The Avalanche had come off a stunning 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs just days earlier, and they were eager to prove themselves against the Canadiens. The team had also recently thrashed the Ottawa Senators 5-1 before facing Montreal, indicating a mixed bag of performance just as the season is drawing to a close.
Colorado captured an early lead against the Canadiens, with goals from Martin Necas, Ryan Lindgren, and Sam Malinski. Lindgren’s goal not only opened the scoring but marked his fourth goal of the season, tying his career-high from the 2021-22 campaign.
However, things took a rollercoaster turn as the Canadiens fought back with sheer determination. Montreal's Joshua Roy and Juraj Slafkovsky each scored within a span of 30 seconds during the third period, narrowing Colorado's lead to 4-3. The atmosphere in the Bell Centre grew electric as Christian Dvorak completed the comeback, tying the game at 13:32 of the third period, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
While the Canadiens gained momentum, the Avalanche were forced to dig deep. Mackenzie Blackwood, tending the net for Colorado, made 25 saves to help his team maintain a fighting chance. Meanwhile, the fluttered hopes of Avalanche fans were partially soothed when Nelson sealed the victory by scoring the shootout-winning goal after Charlie Coyle had also scored for Colorado in the shootout while Patrik Laine found the back of the net for Montreal.
Brock Nelson’s recent performance has been notable, especially since joining the Avalanche from the trade deadline. Over the last four games, he has accumulated three goals and a total of five points. His aggressive play style, which involves getting into tough areas and aiding in offensive transitions, is proving essential as the Avalanche gear up for the playoffs.
This game underscored a crucial aspect of the Avalanche’s current form. Despite having a strong 8-1-1 record in their last ten games, they are struggling to keep pace with the Dallas Stars, who retain a three-point lead in the Central Division and have a pair of games in hand. With only 11 games remaining in the regular season, overtaking the Stars is becoming a race against time.
As the Avalanche prepare for the stretch run, their schedule looks favorable on paper, suggesting they could win a chunk of their remaining games. However, the Dallas Stars hold the advantage, necessitating that Colorado keeps their foot on the gas. The pressure is mounting as every game counts.
While the Avalanche had a victorious evening, it wasn't without blemish. They faced alarming lapses, particularly the rapid goal concessions in the third period. These late-game collapses highlight an area needing attention as they march toward the playoffs—a vital learning opportunity for a team that aspires to win the Stanley Cup.
The next challenge awaits as the Avalanche embark on a four-game homestand, starting with a match against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. In the meantime, the Canadiens will travel to face the St. Louis Blues, hoping to bounce back from this emotional loss.
This contest epitomizes the wild unpredictability of hockey, where fortunes can shift rapidly. The Avalanche may have come out on top this time, but the challenges of the remaining weeks will demand focus, coordination, and perseverance if they wish to realize their postseason aspirations.
