The Calgary Flames came to Denver for the first of three games in the next 15 days against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs took advantage to douse the Flames and did it quickly, chasing Dustin Wolf out of the net in 16 shots. Colorado used the game to get back into form as they dominated in every aspect of the game, walking away victorious 9–2.

View from the Mountaintop

Monday night provided Colorado with an opportunity for a reset. With Flames’ road record of 10–22–3, the Avalanche had a prime chance to streamline play and return to fundamentals.

Colorado started out hot with five goals in under 16 minutes in the first period. Jack Drury applied pressure near the goal’s opening just 2:31 into play.

The Avalanche scored right away during Calgary’s two-man disadvantage. Nazem Kadri, who was playing his former team for the first time, scored two power-play goals in only 1:06.

Five Avalanche skaters had a three-point night with Drury, Nathan MacKinnon, Parker Kelly, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar all joining the fun. Makar stood out among those skaters, remaining the sole skater without a goal. But the major concern is that Makar did not play in the third period, leaving the game with an upper-body injury. He is due to be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

The Avalanche maintained relentless pressure throughout the game. In previous games, if they had gained a significant lead, they switched to defensive hockey. Monday was an example of what the Avs need to do during the playoffs. Once they get a lead, keep going.

One of the three points for MacKinnon was a power-play goal in the second period. He now sits on 49 goals for the season, two shy of his career high. It would also be his second season that he hits 50 goals in his career (2023–24).

Colorado is now 15-for-47 in the month of March, converting at a clip of 31.9 percent and first in the league.

Up next

The Avs continue their home stand to take on the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MT. Altitude Sports will broadcast the game.