Avalanche Crush Flames 7-3 as Makar Shines with Two Goals and an Assist

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Cale Makar netted two goals and set up another, and the Colorado Avalanche powered past the still-winless Calgary Flames 7-3 on Thursday night. Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz each contributed a pair of goals for Colorado, which bounced back from a 3-2 defeat in Winnipeg the previous night.

Nathan MacKinnon also found the back of the net and added two assists for the Avalanche, who now sit at 3-1-0 on the young season. Scott Wedgewood made his season debut between the pipes and turned aside 26 shots to earn the win in his 200th career NHL game.

For Calgary (0-4-0), Adam Klapka, Mikael Backlund, and Kevin Bahl each scored. The Flames remain the only team in the NHL without a point this season and have been outscored 23-6, owning a league-worst minus-17 goal differential. Goaltender Devin Cooley stopped 23 shots in the losing effort.

After the first period ended in a 1-1 tie, Colorado exploded for three goals in less than five minutes during the second period. The Avalanche then added two more early in the third to seal the victory.

Key Analysis

The Avalanche's offensive outburst, led by Makar's three-point night, highlighted their depth and ability to capitalize on chances. Calgary's struggles continue on both ends of the ice, as they remain in search of their first point of the season.

Up next, the Avalanche will host Toronto on Saturday night, while the Flames will welcome Anaheim on Saturday night.

_ See AP's full NHL coverage here.

Originally reported by durangoherald.