SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a decisive performance, Ross Colton netted two goals, and Justus Annunen made an impressive 25 saves in his season debut, as the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the struggling San Jose Sharks with a score of 4-1 on Sunday.

Cale Makar contributed significantly with an empty-net goal and two assists, while Joel Kiviranta also found the back of the net for Colorado. San Jose’s William Eklund managed to score the lone goal for his team.

Colton has been on fire lately, registering five goals over the last three games, including a pair scored on Friday against Anaheim, marking Colorado’s first win of the season. He opened the scoring for the Avalanche in the first period, first capitalizing on a power play just past the six-minute mark, followed by an even-strength goal with only over three minutes remaining in the period.

Makar continues to impress, totaling 10 assists in just six games, maintaining a point streak in each of those contests.

Eklund provided a brief spark for San Jose by cutting the deficit to 2-1 late in the first period. However, Kiviranta extended Colorado’s lead to 3-1 midway through the third period, with Makar later sealing the result with an empty-net goal.

In goal for San Jose, Vitek Vanecek stopped 18 shots amid the loss.

**Key Takeaways**

**Avalanche:** Colorado is currently managing three goaltenders on this three-game road trip. Alexandar Georgiev, the previous season’s NHL wins leader, has had a rough start, serving as Annunen’s backup in this game. Kaapo Kahkonen, who was picked up off waivers from Winnipeg, may see game time during this road trip.

**Sharks:** San Jose is still without a win, mirroring their start from the previous season when they did not secure a victory until November. They are one of just two teams yet to post a win, sharing that distinction with Nashville.

**Key Moment**

Despite being outshot initially, the Sharks were starting to build some momentum. However, Kiviranta’s goal, set up excellently by Josh Manson, thwarted their comeback efforts and solidified Colorado’s control of the game well into the third period.

**Key Stat**

San Jose faced its third straight game defending against a 5-on-3 power play, a challenge they struggled with after allowing seven power-play opportunities in their two preceding games.

**Upcoming Matches**

**Avalanche:** The team heads to Seattle for a game on Tuesday night.

**Sharks:** San Jose will also take the ice at Anaheim on Tuesday night.