The Colorado Avalanche are showcasing their immense skill this season, and it was on full display against the Seattle Kraken. They've outscored opponents by a whopping 84 goals at 5-on-5.
When they struck first on Thursday, it marked the 41st time in 64 games they’ve opened the scoring. With only 11 regulation losses in those games, the Avalanche are proving to be a formidable force.
By the end of the first period at Climate Pledge Arena, the Avalanche had already netted three goals, flattening the Kraken. Nathan MacKinnon was pivotal, contributing to all three with one goal and two assists, bringing his league-leading goal tally to 44. He added another assist in the second period, lifting his point total to 108, just behind Connor McDavid.
The Avalanche cruised to a 5-1 victory, handing Seattle their fourth straight loss. The Kraken, once clinging to a playoff spot since the Olympic break, have now lost six of eight games post-break, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
1st Period
Nathan MacKinnon was in the spotlight early on. Martin Necas, continuing his hot streak, scored his 30th of the season, with MacKinnon assisting - his 62nd of the year. The Kraken had chances, but Ryan Winterton missed a wide-open net, failing to capitalize on a rebound.
In a quirky moment, both goalies lost their masks within the first 11 minutes, adding some unexpected drama. MacKinnon, showing his prowess, scored again when his pass deflected off a defender’s skate into the net, putting Colorado up 2-0. Necas’ eventful period took a turn when he was clipped by Jordan Eberle’s stick, drawing blood and a double minor for Eberle.
The Avalanche continued their scoring ways with a power play goal from Nic Roy, assisted by a mostly fanned shot from Brock Nelson.
2nd Period
The stands were buzzing, filled with Avs fans, some donning Quebec Nordiques sweaters, a nod to the franchise's origins. Kraken coach Lane Lambert switched goalies, bringing in Philipp Grubauer to spark his team, not as a critique of Daccord’s performance.
Scott Wedgewood, Colorado's goalie, denied Ben Meyers on a breakaway, showcasing his stellar play. The Kraken finally broke through with Ryker Evans scoring a shorthanded goal, assisted by Chandler Stephenson.
Colorado, taking it easy with only two shots in the period, still managed to extend their lead. Nazem Kadri redirected a shot from Sam Malinski, with MacKinnon adding another assist.
3rd Period
Wedgewood continued to shine, frustrating Eberle on a breakaway and making a ridiculous stop on Winterton. Despite Seattle outshooting Colorado 18-4 since the start of the second, the Avalanche's defense held strong.
Joel Kiviranta added a fifth goal for Colorado, sealing the deal without MacKinnon’s involvement.
Up Next
The Avalanche are riding high, and if they continue this level of play, they’ll be a force to reckon with as the season progresses. The Kraken, on the other hand, need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep their playoff dreams alive.