PHILADELPHIA — The Colorado Avalanche secured a 3-2 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night, propelled by two goals from Cale Makar and a solid performance from goaltender Justus Annunen, who recorded 24 saves. The match was marked by an unsettling incident in which a referee was stretchered off the ice.

Makar continues to demonstrate his exceptional offensive skills as a defenseman, increasing his season tally to eight goals and accumulating 27 points over 19 games. In the third period, with the Avalanche leading 2-0, Casey Mittelstadt added his seventh goal of the season, giving Colorado a significant advantage.

However, the Flyers rallied late in the game with third-period goals from Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

The Avalanche achieved their fourth win in their last five games, showcasing a strong recovery after an inconsistent start. Meanwhile, the Flyers experienced a setback as they ended a modest three-game winning streak. Despite the loss, the team appeared to be improving recently after struggling earlier in the season, and they have three more home games ahead on their schedule.

A crucial moment in the game occurred when referee Mitch Dunning suffered a serious collision with Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson during the first period. Fortunately, Dunning was reported to be aware and able to move his limbs, and he was taken to the hospital mainly for precautionary checks. The NHL confirmed that all neurological tests returned normal.

In a notable milestone, Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson was celebrated for reaching his 1,000th career game, which he accomplished during a previous win against Buffalo. Johnson, who was drafted as the first overall pick in 2006, has spent a significant portion of his career with the Avalanche, where he played an integral role in their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph. His achievement was recognized with congratulations from celebrities, including Peyton Manning, in a pregame tribute. The Flyers honored Johnson with gifts, including wine, a Rolex watch, and a vacation, as he continues his second season with the team after stints in Buffalo and St. Louis.

Looking ahead, the Avalanche are scheduled to face off against Washington on Thursday, while the Flyers will host Carolina on Wednesday.