DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon delivered an electrifying performance with two power-play goals and an assist, while Mackenzie Blackwood shone in net to guide the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night. Artturi Lehkonen, Casey Mittelstadt, and Logan O’Connor also found the back of the net, helping the Avalanche break free from a two-game losing streak. A decisive flurry in the third period saw Colorado strike three times within 4:04, converting a close contest into a dominating result.
Blackwood was impressive against his former team, a consistent performer who has now won his second game over three starts against the Devils, conceding merely a single goal. Notably, Blackwood was initially drafted by New Jersey in the second round back in 2015. Meanwhile, the Devils’ goaltender, Jake Allen, recorded 31 saves but showed signs of frustration, especially after surrendering the fifth goal with just 1:42 left on the clock. Coach Sheldon Keefe later explained that Allen was dealing with cramps.
The Devils did find the back of the net, with Jack Hughes narrowing the deficit to 2-1 with 11:32 remaining, but Colorado’s subsequent scoring streak curtailed any hopes of a comeback. In a positive development for the Avalanche, Valeri Nichushkin made his return to the lineup following a near two-month absence due to a lower-body injury, registering five shots over 18 minutes on the ice. Martin Necas also contributed notably with three assists on the night.
During the game, a collision had Lehkonen crashing into Allen, which could have led to a troubling situation; however, Allen emerged unscathed. A slash by Luke Hughes soon thereafter resulted in a power-play opportunity, setting the stage for MacKinnon’s goal. The Avalanche have demonstrated strong form with Nichushkin active in the lineup, boasting a record of 210-74-27.
A pivotal moment of defensive brilliance from Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton prevented a further goal when he managed to prevent MacKinnon’s shot, which had slipped past Allen, from entering the net by using his stick deftly. MacKinnon’s performance extended his home-point streak to an impressive 15 games, marking the third instance in his career achieving such a feat.
Looking ahead, the Devils are scheduled to play in Utah on Saturday night, while the Avalanche will welcome Minnesota on Friday night, aiming to build on this resounding win.
