DENVER — Dylan Guenther showcased his skills by netting two goals and contributing an assist, leading the Utah Hockey Club to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday evening.
Vladislav Kolyachonok and Kevin Stenlund also found the back of the net as Utah improved its record to 3-0-1 over its last four outings. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka was solid in net, making 22 stops throughout the contest.
For Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon scored his 11th goal of the season, while Scott Wedgewood, making his first home start since being traded from Nashville on November 30, recorded 19 saves. Unfortunately for the Avalanche, the loss ended a three-game winning streak.
Guenther set the tone for the night, scoring first at 8:26 in the opening period after his centering pass inadvertently deflected off Artturi Lehkonen’s skate and into the net past Wedgewood. Kolyachonok and Guenther added goals just 1:47 apart in the second period, widening Utah’s lead to 3-0.
MacKinnon brought some hope for Colorado with a goal at 4:34 left in the third period, narrowing the gap to 3-1. However, Stenlund quickly pushed the advantage back to three goals by scoring into an empty net just 23 seconds later.
**Takeaways**
For Utah, despite struggling at home, they possess a strong 9-6-2 record on the road and have now secured five consecutive victories away from home. Six of their next ten games will take place on the road.
As for the Avalanche, recently acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood served as Wedgewood’s backup just three days after his arrival from San Jose, with expectations that he will become Colorado’s primary goalie moving forward.
**Key moment**
In a crucial moment during the final minute of the second period, the Avalanche almost cut into Utah’s lead when Cale Makar unleashed a shot that trickled through Vejmelka and sat dangerously in front of the net. Casey Mittlestadt, however, missed the chance to capitalize, allowing Utah to clear the puck from the crease safely.
**Key stat**
With his latest goal, MacKinnon reached 946 career points, tying him with Michel Goulet for third place on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.
**Up next**
Utah will head to San Jose on Saturday night to continue their season, while the Avalanche will return home to host Nashville.
