The Colorado Avalanche needed a response, and they delivered one in emphatic fashion. After back-to-back losses to Ottawa and Montreal, Colorado rolled into Detroit and reminded everyone why they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the league. A 5-0 shutout win over the Red Wings not only snapped their mini-skid but also showcased the kind of complete, top-to-bottom performance that’s been a hallmark of their success in recent seasons.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded-and why this game felt like a statement.
First Period: MacKinnon Sets the Tone, Burns Breaks the Ice
It didn’t take long for Colorado to get going. Brent Burns opened the scoring with a beauty of a finish, but the real highlight was the setup.
Nathan MacKinnon, flying through the neutral zone, threaded a perfect pass to Burns, who jumped up into the rush and picked his spot on John Gibson. That goal wasn’t just about execution-it was about pace, timing, and confidence.
And it set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
MacKinnon followed that up with a goal of his own later in the period. A shot from the top of the zone found its way through traffic and past Gibson, who never saw it. That’s goal number one of the day for MacKinnon, and it was a reminder of how lethal he can be from distance when he gets time and space.
Second Period: Colton Cashes In, MacKinnon Hits 40
The Avalanche didn’t let up in the second. Ross Colton, who’s been looking for some consistency in the goal column, made it two games in a row with a tally.
Credit Brock Nelson for the setup-he found Colton wide open in front with a slick feed, and Colton made no mistake with the tap-in. That’s the kind of play that builds confidence, especially for a player who’s been grinding to get back on the scoresheet.
Then came the milestone moment. MacKinnon, already with a goal and an assist, capitalized on a Red Wings turnover deep in their own zone.
Artturi Lehkonen pounced on the loose puck and immediately found MacKinnon, who hammered a one-timer past Gibson for his 40th goal of the season. That’s elite territory-and MacKinnon continues to make it look routine.
Third Period: Kelly Puts the Finishing Touches On
In the third, it was Parker Kelly’s turn to shine. He walked right down the gut of the Detroit defense, showed some patience in tight, and outwaited Gibson for his 12th of the year. It was the kind of composed finish you love to see from a depth forward-and it capped off a night where the Avalanche got contributions from every corner of the lineup.
Blackwood’s Brick Wall Performance
While the offense was humming, Mackenzie Blackwood quietly put together a stellar game in net. He turned aside all 28 shots he faced for the shutout, and while Colorado did a solid job limiting high-danger chances, Blackwood made the saves he needed to-and a few that were flat-out spectacular. That’s his first shutout with the Avs, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
What This Win Means
This game looked and felt like Avalanche hockey. Speed through the neutral zone.
Crisp puck movement. Aggressive forechecking.
And most importantly, scoring from both the stars and the supporting cast. After two flat outings in Canada, Colorado came out with purpose-and it showed in every zone.
MacKinnon continues to build an MVP-caliber season, now sitting at 40 goals, and the return of secondary scoring from guys like Colton and Kelly is exactly what this team needs down the stretch.
The Avs will see Detroit again in just a couple of days, and you can bet the Red Wings will be looking for payback after getting blanked on home ice. But if Colorado brings this same energy and execution, they’ll be tough to beat in the rematch-and beyond.