Denver saw an exciting hockey showdown on Friday night as the Colorado Avalanche claimed a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild in an intense Central Division matchup. Jonathan Drouin and Jack Drury led the charge in the second period, scoring just 52 seconds apart during a three-goal spree that helped the Avalanche match the Wild for third place in the division.
Ross Colton proved instrumental in the win, netting two goals and providing an assist, while Valeri Nichushkin also added to the scoreline. The victory served as a celebration of coach Jared Bednar’s 53rd birthday and marked Colorado’s second consecutive win.
Nathan MacKinnon, who tops the NHL charts with 91 points this season, extended his impressive home points streak to 16 games after assisting on Nichushkin’s goal. The Avalanche’s Mackenzie Blackwood impressed with 18 saves.
Despite a commanding performance in the first period from the Wild, with goals from Mats Zuccarello and Vincent Hinostroza leading to a 2-1 advantage, they couldn’t maintain their momentum. Reeling from a previous 6-1 loss at Utah, Minnesota faced a tough battle in the subsequent periods.
Colorado’s resurgence began with Drouin’s equalizer at 8:57 of the second. Drury’s swift backhander then gave them the lead, before Colton solidified the Avalanche’s advantage, completing a slick 2-on-1 play with just over five minutes left in the period.
The Wild were visibly fatigued in the closing minutes of the second period, struggling against Colorado’s relentless offensive rotations. Filip Gustavsson made 25 saves, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
Emerging strong after a quiet stretch post the 4 Nations Face-Off event, the Avalanche kick-started their six-game homestand with impressive form, scoring nine goals over their last four periods and securing back-to-back wins.
One standout play came when Oliver Kylington expertly delivered a pass from deep in his own territory to a waiting Drouin near Minnesota’s blue line. Drouin swiftly advanced, unleashing a high-power shot past Gustavsson to turn the tables.
Valeri Nichushkin’s return to scoring was notable, as Friday’s goal ended a drought stretching back to December. Missing 21 games, the high-performing player’s contributions were eagerly anticipated and well-celebrated.
Looking ahead, the Wild will regroup to take on Boston at home on Sunday, while the Avalanche stay on their home ice to face Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
