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In a commanding offensive display, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames 7-3 on Thursday night at Scotiabank Saddledome. This marked the third occasion in four games that Colorado has scored six or more goals, lifting their season record to 3-1-0 and securing their first victory on the road.
Devon Toews, Cale Makar, and Jaden Schwartz each found the back of the net twice, while Nathan MacKinnon contributed a goal and two assists. Makar also added a helper, and Brett Kulak chipped in with two assists. Rookie forward T.J. Hughes earned his first career NHL point with a primary assist, and Zachary LHeureux registered his first point with the Avalanche by assisting on MacKinnon's goal.
Colorado broke the ice late in the first period when Toews scored his first of the season. However, the Flames responded before the intermission with a goal from Adam Klapka, evening the score at 1-1.
The Avalanche seized control in the second period, exploding for three unanswered goals. Toews struck again at 6:45, and just over two minutes later, his defensive partner Makar extended the lead. MacKinnon then made it 4-1 with a one-timer from the blue line at 11:39. That goal came after an extended offensive-zone shift in which Colorado pinned the Flames deep, cycled the puck effectively, and even completed two full line changes while maintaining possession for well over two minutes.
Colorado continued to pour it on in the third period. Makar netted his second of the night, followed by another goal from Schwartz, with Hughes picking up an assist on the Avalanche's sixth tally. Calgary briefly fought back with two goals in a 43-second span to narrow the gap, but Schwartz responded with his second goal to restore a four-goal cushion.
Amid the scoring barrage, LHeureux engaged in a fight with Flames forward Matt Coronato. After serving his penalty, LHeureux broke free on a breakaway but was stopped by Calgary goaltender Dustin Wolf, who finished with 23 saves. LHeureux appeared visibly frustrated as he skated to the bench despite the comfortable lead, as a goal on that play would have completed a Gordie Howe hat trick.
Scott Wedgewood turned aside 26 shots for Colorado, earning the win in his first start of the season.
Key Analysis
While the Avalanche have yet to face a grueling schedule—their first four opponents include three teams that missed the playoffs last spring and one that finished 16th among playoff teams—they have taken full advantage. Colorado's high-end skill and depth have allowed them to dictate play, starting with an eight-goal outburst against the Los Angeles Kings on opening night, followed by six against the St. Louis Blues, and now seven versus Calgary.
The Flames' early-season struggles suggest they could be in for a long year. Meanwhile, Colorado's only loss came against Winnipeg, a disappointing defeat in which the game-winner was scored with just 60 seconds left in regulation. However, games in Winnipeg have historically been challenging for the Avalanche, and the Jets are expected to be much improved from last season.
One concern that persists despite the lopsided wins is Colorado's tendency to allow goals in bunches. The Kings chipped away at the Avalanche's lead on opening night, scoring twice shorthanded, and Calgary struck twice in 43 seconds on Thursday. While neither rally altered the outcome, it's a habit the Avalanche will want to break, especially against teams they are expected to beat.
Colorado has just one game before a back-to-back set against the Dallas Stars, who are riding a two-game winning streak with both victories coming via shutout. Head coach Jared Bednar will likely emphasize tightening up defensively before facing a Stars team that leaves little margin for error.
Originally reported by yahoo.