The Avalanche scored twice and only allowed two shots on goal in a dominant second period.
The Colorado Avalanche started slow but came on strong in the final two periods to beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-0.
The Avalanche delivered a strong performance, shutting out the Red Wings behind an outstanding night from goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and an equally outstanding performance from Martin Necas.
For the Red Wings, it was a frustrating game where they had a great start against a potent Avalanche offense.
The Red Wings came out with plenty of energy in the opening period, generating quality scoring opportunities and putting pressure on the Avalanche in their defensive zone. They actually controlled much of the first period, outshooting Colorado 13-1 late in the frame. However, Blackwood stood tall, making several key saves to keep the game scoreless.
The Avalanche regrouped in the first intermission and came out looking like a new team.
The Avalanche finally broke through at 9:46 of the second period when Necas scored on the power play. T.J. Hughes and Cale Makar helped create the opportunity, with Necas finishing from close range.
Just under three minutes later, Colorado struck again.
Nathan MacKinnon buried a power-play one-timer at 12:30, extending the Avalanche advantage to 2-0. Necas and Makar collected assists on the goal.
The Avalanche outshot the Red Wings 13-2 in the second period.
Colorado’s special teams made the difference, while Detroit struggled to generate an answer.
The Avalanche continued their offensive pressure in the third period.
At 7:15, Necas scored his second goal of the night, capitalizing on a rebound to push Colorado’s lead to 3-0.
Less than three minutes later, Makar added another power-play goal, making it 4-0 at 9:45. MacKinnon and Necas picked up assists, completing an impressive offensive performance from Colorado’s top players.
Necas finished with two goals and two assists, while MacKinnon and Makar each recorded a goal and two assists.
While Colorado’s offense received plenty of attention, Mackenzie Blackwood was equally impressive.
Blackwood stopped all 27 Detroit shots to record the shutout, especially when the Red Wings had momentum early in the game.
Daniil Tarasov made 25 saves for Detroit, though the Avalanche star players showed why they are a top offense in the NHL.
A tough loss for the Red Wings against a talented Avalanche team that will contend for a Stanley Cup.