DENVER — In an exciting matchup on Tuesday night, the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the New York Rangers with a score of 3-2, kicking off a five-game homestand in style. Devon Toews netted the overtime winner just over four minutes into the extra period after Artturi Lehkonen had tied the game late in the third period. This victory marked the Avalanche’s 14th comeback win this season.
Toews received a perfect pass from Nathan MacKinnon and executed a powerful one-timer that found the back of the net, beating Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin from the right circle. Earlier in the overtime session, the Avalanche successfully defended a power play situation following an interference penalty called on Mikko Rantanen. Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made a crucial save against Mika Zibanejad during a breakaway, helping maintain the momentum.
Parker Kelly opened the scoring for Colorado in the first period. With Blackwood pulled for an extra skater towards the end of the third, Lehkonen managed to equalize the score, finding the net off a rebound with just 1:13 left on the clock. Cale Makar contributed an assist during this game, marking his fifth season of reaching 50 points, which is the most by a defenseman in the history of the franchise.
Blackwood played a key role in the match, finishing with 27 saves, many of which were spectacular stops that allowed the Avalanche to stay competitive and ultimately secure the victory. For the New York Rangers, Sam Carrick stood out with a goal and an assist, helping the team to earn points for the fifth consecutive game (3-0-2). Adam Edstrom also scored for the Rangers, while defenseman Ryan Lindgren recorded five of the team’s total 23 blocked shots.
Makar was instrumental in setting up Kelly’s initial goal but faced a setback when he mishandled the puck during a power play, resulting in Carrick’s shorthanded equalizer. Shesterkin closed the game with 23 saves for the Rangers.
In terms of notable statistics, the Rangers demonstrated a strong showing on the penalty kill, successfully defending all three power play attempts from Colorado, while also adding their sixth shorthanded goal of the season. However, they struggled in their own power play opportunities, failing to convert on all three attempts.
Furthermore, Avalanche players Makar, Rantanen, and MacKinnon have all joined the 50-point club this season, with MacKinnon contributing two assists in this game. A significant moment was Blackwood’s impressive series of saves during overtime, which proved pivotal to the Avalanche’s victory.
On a personal achievement for the Rangers, defenseman Adam Fox participated in his 400th NHL game, amassing an impressive total of 341 career points so far. As the teams look ahead, both the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers are set to play on Thursday, with Colorado hosting the Edmonton Oilers and the Rangers facing off against the Utah Jazz.
