The Colorado Avalanche snapped a mini-slump with a decisive 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. Samuel Girard and Nathan MacKinnon scored for Colorado, while Mackenzie Blackwood recorded his second consecutive shutout.
DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 02: Casey Mittelstadt #37 of the Colorado Avalanche looks for an opening against the Philadelphia Flyers in the second period at Ball Arena on February 02, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Perhaps Sunday marked the Avs getting their mojo back after a roller-coaster January marked by a 7-6-2 record. The Avs weathered a back-and-forth opening period to pull away for a 2-0 victory over the Flyers at Ball Arena.
Samuel Girard’s goal put the Avs ahead, Nathan MacKinnon’s power-play netter gave them cushion and Mackenzie Blackwood posted a second straight shutout as Colorado won consecutive games for the first time in a month. Philadelphia controlled the momentum early, putting up the game’s first six shots before Colorado finally started to find its footing. The Avs had several good looks in the opening period, but Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson turned them away each time and Blackwood also stopped 10 shots as the teams took a 0-0 score into the intermission. In the second, Colorado picked up where it left off, beating the Flyers to loose pucks and doing a much better job of controlling possession than the Avs did in the opening minutes of the game. They continued to press Ersson, but he stood his ground, including stuffing what looked like a sure goal by the recently acquired center. The recently acquired center was perched in front of the crease on the weak side of the net, but Ersson slid over and stuffed the attempt to keep it scoreless after MacKinnon’s threaded pass that found Necas’ stick. A couple minutes later, Philadelphia had a chance to take the lead with a two-on-one rush but couldn’t covert as Scott Laughton’s errant shot went wide right. Colorado immediately gained possession and pushed the puck up ice. Casey Mittelstadt skated with the puck down the left side and found Girard streaking down a void in the center of the ice. Girard took the pass, made a slick move to bypass the defender in front of them and then ripped off a slap shot that beat Ersson on the right side of the net to make it 1-0. Given new opportunity with Avalanche, Martin Necas is ready to take off: “Now you’re going to see Marty fully fly” Frustrated Avalanche players deal with another controversial goalie interference call: “I don’t even guess anymore” With four minutes left in the period, a clean game to that point finally saw its first penalty. A hooking call on the Flyers resulted in a 2-0 lead for the Avs after MacKinnon wristed one home from the left faceoff circle that beat Ersson in the top right shelf. The score was assisted by Cale Makar, while Jonathan Drouin screened Ersson’s vision in front of the net. In the third, the Avs had multiple chances to extend the lead to three, but it was no matter. The defense played well, limiting Philadelphia’s clean looks and killing a power play, while Blackwood made six more saves to cement the win. That included preserving the shutout as the Flyers pulled the goalie for the final few minutes. Colorado now heads on a three-city Canadian road trip this week to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton before the NHL goes on break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Avs’ next home game is Feb. 26 vs. New Jersey
Hockey NHL Colorado Avalanche Philadelphia Flyers Mackenzie Blackwood Samuel Girard Nathan Mackinnon Shutout
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Avalanche Host 'Puppy Shower' to Benefit Colorado Pets in NeedThe Colorado Avalanche are hosting a unique event, a 'puppy shower,' to celebrate their newest team member, Maxy, a Freedom Service Dog, and to support pets in need across Colorado. Fans are encouraged to bring donations of pet supplies to Ball Arena on Friday night before the Avs game against the St. Louis Blues.
Read more »
Josh Manson's Return Ignites Colorado Avalanche OffenseColorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson returns to form after injury, contributing offensively and defensively in a win against the Minnesota Wild.
Read more »
Avalanche Journal: A midseason check-in on NHL awards with Colorado contendersInjuries have been an issue on the ice, but could help the narrative in awards voting
Read more »
Colorado to Nearly Double Avalanche Blasters to Keep Highways OpenColorado transportation officials plan to nearly double the number of remotely controlled avalanche blasters installed on mountain ridges above highways to prevent potentially catastrophic snow slides. The project, estimated to cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, involves firing these blasters at night to trigger slides as part of efforts to keep roads safe and open.
Read more »
Mackenzie Blackwood: From Flash to Consistency, The Colorado Avalanche's Goaltending RevelationThis article explores the remarkable journey of Mackenzie Blackwood, a 39-year-old goaltender who has evolved from a highlight-reel performer to a consistent and dominant force for the Colorado Avalanche.
Read more »
Colorado Skier Found Dead After AvalancheA Colorado man, an experienced backcountry skier, died after being caught in an avalanche. His wife's quick action using his avalanche transceiver helped locate him.
Read more »