On the eve of Thanksgiving, Ross Colton kicked off the Colorado Avalanche’s impressive performance by scoring against San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov, giving fans an early reason to celebrate. Colorado then dominated the game, with Nathan MacKinnon adding a power-play goal near the end of the first period to make it 2-0. The Avalanche exploded in the second period, scoring three times within 76 seconds — goals from Sam Malinsky, Josh Manson, and Joel Kiviranta (in his first game back from injury) pushed the score to 5-0, sealing a decisive 6-0 victory for Colorado.
The Avalanche, boasting a 17-1-5 record, are not just excelling offensively but are also remarkable defensively. They’ve achieved a rare three-game shutout streak for the first time in over 24 years, aided by top goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood, in particular, has had a career-best season, leading the NHL in wins and earning a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic longlist.
This team is balanced and effective in every aspect, a stark contrast from last season when scoring was difficult and defensive lapses were frequent. Now, every player contributes consistently to both offense and defense. Ross Colton praised the team’s defensive discipline and confidence in their goaltenders, which helps them play a strong game night after night.
Colorado’s success can be likened to a finely tuned race car, with all parts working harmoniously. Their scoring is well-distributed: the top three players—Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar—have contributed 42% of the team’s 94 goals, representing healthy depth rather than relying heavily on a few stars. Colton himself has been a key contributor, scoring three goals in five games, and the team’s 10-game winning streak is a testament to their strong preparation and teamwork. They are soon facing a back-to-back challenge against the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens.
Fan Take: Colorado Avalanche’s impressive balance of offensive firepower and defensive resilience makes them a thrilling team to watch this season. Their depth and teamwork not only boost their chances of championship success but also set a new standard for how a cohesive, well-rounded hockey team can dominate in today’s NHL.
