One of the ugliest games of the season for the Colorado Avalanche still saw them collect two big points in overtime against the Washington Capitals. They took Sunday’s matinee game in a 3–2 final.

Alex Ovechkin made history with his 1,000th career goal, between the regular season and playoffs combined, to tie it late in the third period. But the Avs managed enough to overcome one of the toughest games of the season.

.View From the Mountaintop

This was far from Colorado’s best game of the season. If anything, it was one of their ugliest. Therefore, it made it one of the ugliest victories of the season. The Avs started off so slowly in the first period, simply getting their legs under them. It was slightly better in the second period, but they were still down and had only registered 14 shots on net. None of those 14 were super threatening, with perhaps the best chances coming from Martin Necas on a 2-on-1 with Cale Makar and Parker Kelly shorthanded.


It would take until the third period for players to bounce into action. The return of Gabriel Landeskog on Sunday was much needed, and he made an impact. He scored Colorado’s opening goal with some help from Logan Thompson, giving it away behind the net to Necas, who found his captain. Nicolas Roy also scored his third goal in nine games since being traded to the Avalanche. Interestingly, Zakhar Bardakov got the assist on his tally. Behind all of them, Mackenzie Blackwood was good in his second straight start with a 20-save performance.

Brock Nelson delivered when he needed to in overtime, scoring in two straight games now. He needs to get going after starting the year nicely. Colorado controlled play for the entire overtime period, and Necas was solid conducting it all with his pass to Nelson down low. The win is huge for the Avalanche, who no longer have a game in hand against the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild. As of the publication of this article, the Avs now hold a five-point lead over the Stars. Dallas plays host to the Vegas Golden Knights later on Sunday night, looking to get closer. Nonetheless, an ugly two points are two points for Colorado.

Up Next

Game three of the road trip will continue against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Puck drop is at 5:00 p.m. MT. Altitude Sports will broadcast the game.