The Colorado Avalanche displayed their resilience once again as they secured a 7-4 victory against the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. This win marked their NHL record 15th consecutive road victory. Despite not playing at their best, the Avalanche find ways to keep winning and maintain their undefeated start to the season.
A Night of Shooters
Avalanche forward, Mikko Rantanen, played a pivotal role in their triumph by scoring the tiebreaking goal in the third period and providing three assists throughout the game. Ryan Johansen also had a stellar performance, contributing two goals, while Cale Makar, Bowen Byram, Nathan MacKinnon, and Ross Colton each added a goal to secure the victory. Valeri Nichushkin provided two assists, and Alexandar Georgiev made 27 saves to improve his record to 6-0-0 this season.
A Strange Game
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar described the game as “a shooter’s night on both sides” and acknowledged that it was a peculiar match. Despite the unconventional nature of the game, Bednar commended his team for capitalizing on their opportunities late in the game. However, he emphasized that there is still room for improvement, stating, “We are fortunate to be 6-0. The guys realize that. We are still trying to improve.”
A Remarkable Winning Streak
The Avalanche’s winning streak, which includes their last 11 road games from the previous season, surpasses the previous record of 14 consecutive road victories set by the Buffalo Sabres. Not only did they achieve this extraordinary feat, but they also matched the 2013-2014 team’s best start to a season (6-0-0) since relocating to Colorado. Their remarkable start places them just one win behind the 1985-1986 Quebec Nordiques for the best start in franchise history.
Focus is Key
The Avalanche players, aware of the significance of their achievements, remain focused on their goal of improving as a team. Forward Ross Colton emphasized the importance of maintaining their focus and taking each game as another step in the right direction. He remarked, “For us, it’s all about focus.”
On the other side of the ice, the New York Islanders faced their third consecutive loss, with a record of 0-2-1 in their last three games. Cal Clutterbuck, Kyle Palmieri, and Simon Holmstrom provided goals for the Islanders, while Noah Dobson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau contributed with two assists each. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 34 saves throughout the game, but it was not enough to secure the victory.
The Persistence of Captain Lee
Despite being down 4-3 in the third period, Islanders’ captain Anders Lee displayed persistence and determination, tying the game at 4-4 with his first goal of the season. After being knocked down by Johansen and losing the puck, Lee quickly recovered, stole it back from his opponent, skated to the high slot, and fired a shot past Georgiev. Lee’s effort highlighted his leadership and drive to make a difference for his team.
Rantanen Puts the Avalanche Ahead
Mikko Rantanen, displaying his offensive prowess, scored the go-ahead goal for the Avalanche in the closing minutes of the third period. With 7:47 remaining, Rantanen unleashed a powerful shot from the right circle, beating Sorokin and securing his team-high fifth goal of the season. This goal proved to be the game-winner for the Avalanche.
In the final minute of the game, the Avalanche sealed their victory with two empty-net goals. Johansen found the back of the net with one minute remaining, while Colton was credited with the final goal when Brock Nelson’s backward pass off a faceoff traveled into the open net with just 31 seconds left. These empty-net goals solidified the Avalanche’s victory and served as a testament to their ability to close out games.
A Dominant First Period
The Avalanche’s dominance was evident from the beginning of the game, outshooting the Islanders 17-6 in the opening period. Johansen capitalized on a power play opportunity just 21 seconds into their first power play, scoring a one-timer from the left circle. Despite the Islanders’ efforts to even the score with Cal Clutterbuck’s deflected shot, Makar regained the lead for the Avalanche with a backhand goal.
The Colorado Avalanche’s remarkable winning streak continues, as they secure their 15th straight road victory and extend their undefeated start to the season. Despite facing challenges throughout the game, the Avalanche showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. With their eyes set on further improvement, the Avalanche remain a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
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