DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche delivered a stunning performance on Thursday night, dominating the Ottawa Senators with an 8-2 victory highlighted by an explosive six-goal second period. The win marks Colorado’s 16th consecutive home victory, extending their undefeated streak in regulation at Ball Arena to 18 games.
Brock Nelson led the charge with two goals, while Josh Manson enjoyed a career night with two goals and two assists. Manson’s contributions were underscored by physical play, as he also engaged in a fight during the game, showcasing the Avalanche’s aggressive style. Nathan MacKinnon added a goal and three assists, inching closer to the NHL points lead with 78 total points, just one shy of Connor McDavid.
Cale Makar contributed substantially with a goal and two assists, while Martin Necas and Ross Colton chipped in with additional scoring and playmaking. Scott Wedgewood made 29 saves, solidifying Colorado’s strong performance in front of their home crowd.
The Avalanche set the tone early, with Manson and MacKinnon scoring in the first period. Makar extended the lead to 3-0 just minutes into the second, prompting Ottawa to pull starting goaltender Leevi Merilainen after he allowed three goals on 12 shots. Mads Sogaard stepped in but could not stop the Avalanche onslaught.
Ottawa managed to pull one back with Shane Pinto’s goal early in the second period, but their hopes were dashed when a subsequent goal was overturned following an offside challenge by Colorado. The Avalanche retaliated swiftly, starting a scoring spree that left the Senators scrambling. Necas capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play, stretching Colorado’s lead further.
In a quick succession, Brent Burns and Nelson scored, with Manson rounding off the scoring frenzy just moments before the end of the period. Nelson, continuing a brisk scoring streak, now has five goals and two assists over his last four games.
As the game progressed into the third period, tensions flared. Sam Girard and Tim Stutzle were involved in a scuffle early on, epitomizing the increasingly physical nature of the matchup. After a roughing penalty on Pinto, Tkachuk netted a short-handed goal for Ottawa, but it proved too little, too late.
For the Senators, this game marks another setback, as they have now lost three consecutive matches and six of their last eight. With performances like this from the Avalanche, the pressure is mounting on Ottawa to regroup and refocus as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming games.