In an exciting matchup in Denver, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 6-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. The pivotal second period saw Kirill Marchenko and Yegor Chinakhov both net goals, helping to propel Columbus to a three-goal outburst during that stretch.

Marchenko and Chinakhov each contributed two assists in the game, while Sean Monahan also stood out with a goal and two assists. The Blue Jackets featured a balanced offensive effort, with contributions from Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson, and rookie Adam Fantilli, who all found the back of the net as well.

For the Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon, Miles Wood, Casey Mittelstadt, and Ross Colton scored goals, but goalie Alexandar Georgiev struggled, allowing three goals on just nine shots. Following Fantilli’s goal early in the second period, Justus Annunen took over in net for Georgiev.

Annunen faced a challenging task but allowed two goals shortly after entering the game, as Wood and Mittelstadt both scored in quick succession, leveling the contest before Marchenko scored to reclaim the lead for the Blue Jackets at 4:33 in the second frame.

The Avalanche’s Colton netted a goal during a late-game surge with an extra skater, but Monahan sealed the victory for Columbus with an empty-net goal in the closing moments. Columbus couldn’t be happier, as they accumulated a total of seven goals across their first two games under new coach Dean Evason, losing closely to Minnesota before this win.

The Avalanche, on the other hand, are facing early struggles in the goaltending department, as Georgiev has allowed eight goals over the first two games of the season. The team’s decision to claim Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers reflects their urgent concern regarding their goaltending situation and the performance of their backup, Annunen.

A special moment occurred prior to the game as last season’s NHL MVP, MacKinnon, was honored with a highlight reel, and then Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets center and three-time NBA MVP, made an appearance wearing MacKinnon’s No. 29 jersey while presenting him with the Hart Trophy.

In terms of key milestones, Avalanche winger Ivan Ivan registered his first NHL point by assisting on MacKinnon’s goal, with MacKinnon graciously passing the puck to the rookie after scoring.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets are set to host their home opener against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Avalanche will take on the New York Islanders at home on Monday night.