The Colorado Avalanche took advantage of special teams opportunities to secure a 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Cale Makar contributed a power-play goal and an assist, while Parker Kelly scored short-handed. Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-net goal and two assists, with Valeri Nichushkin also finding the back of the net.
Scott Wedgewood made 29 saves for Colorado, continuing the team’s strong performance after a win against San Jose the previous night. Kelly tied the game with a short-handed goal in the second period, followed by Nichushkin putting the Avalanche ahead. Makar sealed the win with another power-play goal in the third period.
Despite goals from Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn for the Ducks, goaltender John Gibson was unable to secure the win. MacKinnon’s assists helped him become the first player in the NHL to reach 40 assists this season.
The Avalanche’s decision to revamp their goaltending has paid off, with success in games started by Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. On the Ducks’ side, Jacob Trouba got his first point since being traded from the Rangers in December.
The key moment of the game was Makar’s well-executed power-play goal in the third period. Looking ahead, the Avalanche will host Seattle, while the Ducks will visit Utah on Sunday.
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