Cale Makar became the first defenseman this season to reach 20 goals, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Nathan MacKinnon also showcased his offensive prowess with three assists, solidifying his position at the top of the NHL points leaderboard.
Cale Makar achieved his 20th goal of the season, and Artturi Lehkonen also scored for Colorado (32-22-2). Nathan MacKinnon reclaimed the NHL points lead with three assists, bringing his total to 83 (20 goals, 63 assists), two points ahead of Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl. The two players will face off on Friday night. Jonathan Huberdeau scored his team-leading 21st goal, and defenseman Rasmus Andersson also scored for Calgary (26-21-7).
Entering the game, the Flames were tied with the Vancouver Canucks for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Playing in his hometown, Makar became the first defenseman this season to reach 20 goals. He also joined the ranks of elite defensemen as the first blue-liner since Brian Leetch (1993-94) to achieve three 20-goal seasons before his 27th birthday. Makar further solidified his place in NHL history by becoming the eighth defenseman to record three or more 20-goal campaigns in his first six seasons, alongside Paul Coffey (five), Denis Potvin (five), Ray Bourque (four), Bobby Orr (four), Steve Duchesne, Phil Housley, and Reed Larson.Mackenzie Blackwood made 27 saves for the win, improving his record to 13-6-2 since joining the Avalanche from the San Jose Sharks in a trade and going 19-15-5-5 overall this season. Dustin Wolf stopped 30 shots but suffered his fourth loss in his last five games, dropping his record to 19-11-2. The Avalanche saw MacKinnon's three assists in the second period mark his 18th career three-point period, tying him with Peter Forsberg for second-most in franchise history, trailing only Peter Stastny (31). The Flames benefited from Huberdeau's game-opening goal at 3:22 of the first period, a two-man advantage power play tally. This marked three consecutive games with a five-on-three goal for Calgary, a feat last accomplished by the Phoenix Coyotes from January 23-26, 2013 (3 GP). Calgary's power play has been particularly potent recently, converting 6-for-17 over their past four games. Colorado, down 1-0 after the first period, tied the game 1:20 into the second period on Makar's goal. This ignited a dominant second period for the Avalanche, who took the lead for good four minutes later on Lehkonen's 22nd goal. Colorado outscored Calgary 3-0 and outshot them 17-3 in the middle frame. The Avalanche's impressive penalty kill continued, allowing only the fourth power-play goal in their last 17 games, having successfully killed off 38 of 42 penalties during that stretch
NHL Avalanche Flames Makar Mackinnon Huberdeau Andersson Power Play Penalty Kill
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