No frights for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday afternoon, as they took down the Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 on the road and spoiled their home celebrations. They played perhaps their best road game and arguably their best game of the season to give Vegas just its second loss of the season.

While it wasn’t too pretty, the Avs fought off numerous power play opportunities for the home team and stood strong. The team notched its seventh win of the season, while being the last team in the league left with only one regulation loss.

Observations From the Mountaintop

The top line was flying, particularly to open the first two periods of the game. Signed to a new contract on Thursday, Martin Necas still showed his motivation with the opening goal just 41 seconds in. Necas also had a brilliant move to put Vegas in the spin cycle. It led to the first goal in burgundy and blue for Brent Burns. Burns’ goal would be the game-winner. Brock Nelson scored the second goal of the game, while Cale Makar finished it with an empty-netter. While it was a slow game overall, Necas and the first line certainly sped it up.

Where things slowed down and got choppy was on special teams. Colorado only had two power plays, one of them only a few seconds long. Meanwhile, the penalty kill was busy as the Avs took six penalties. They eventually caved in when Tomas Hertl scored on a 4-on-3 in the third. But against one of the top power plays in the league, Colorado did a solid job holding them off. The damage certainly could’ve been worse, but they spoiled the Golden Knights and did the job.

You know what they say: the best penalty killer is your goaltender. Scott Wedgewood was just that, making some key saves and doing a phenomenal job as he’s done for most of the season. He ended the night with 22 saves and dealt with plenty of pucks coming his way. He’s stood strong through October and should get a solid break. Mackenzie Blackwood was backing him up last game against the New Jersey Devils. He is expected to start in tomorrow afternoon’s game.

Up Next

The next game will see the Avs begin the month of November on the second leg of a back-to-back, visiting the San Jose Sharks. Puck drop is at 2:00 p.m. Altitude Sports will broadcast the game.