DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche were slow to get going on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings. But, once they opened the floodgates, the waters came pouring out. The Avs could not get the puck into the back of the net until the second period, but Martin Necas became the star of the show. He would register two goals, one assist with both goals in the second period. Colorado registered their 11th straight home win, which currently leads the NHL. This game should have been one of the tougher games for the Avs, but they dethrone the Kings with a 4–0 shutout victory.

First Period

Both teams were buzzing, even though it was a late start for the Avalanche. Almost five minutes into the game, Artturi Lehkonen was called for interference. That did not slow down Colorado at all. Sam Malinski took charge on the penalty kill and ran the puck out twice to run the clock. Seven minutes later, Charlie Coyle drew a holding penalty against Phillip Danault, resulting in a power play for Colorado. Colorado passed the puck quickly around the zone and had a fantastic chance from Jonathan Drouin down low. Vladislav Gavrikov came diving in front and blocked what could have been the opening goal of the night.

With just four seconds left in the frame, Nathan MacKinnon cross-checked Mikey Anderson and the Kings started the second period on the power play. Colorado out shot the Kings 14–7 in the period, but no one put one in the back of the net.

Second Period

The Avalanche killed the MacKinnon penalty with ease, starting the period and then came out firing. The Avalanche scored two goals in a minute and 32 seconds. About five minutes into the period, Jack Drury kept the puck in the zone at the blue line and sent a pass to Cale Makar. The defenseman danced his way around the zone, shielding the puck from Joel Edmundson and center a pass to Logan O’Connor. The mayor tapped the puck in for his 100th career goal and the 1–0 lead.

Not even two minutes later, Martin Necas carried the puck into the zone. Brock Nelson picked up the loose puck in the corner, sending a cross ice pass to Samuel Girard. He slung a shot to the left of the net, and Necas picked up the rebound. Necas swung around to the right side and stuffed it past goaltender David Rittich.

Necas was not done, though. Goaltender interference sent Warren Foegele to the penalty box. Colorado setup in the Kings’ zone and got the defense moving with their passing. From behind the net, Drouin sent a pass to Makar in the right circle. Makar set up Necas for a perfect one-timer and the 3–0 lead.

Third Period

In the last period, the Avalanche did not slow down at all. Just under four minutes into the period, Anderson tripped up MacKinnon and Colorado went back to the power play. It only took one minute. MacKinnon carried the puck into the zone and tossed it over to Necas. He threw it back to MacKinnon and set Drouin up for one-timer from his knee in the backdoor and the 4–0 lead.

The rest of the game was a back-and-forth battle with very little stoppages in play. The altitude got to the Kings late in the period and it showed. They slowed down and could not keep up and ultimate lost the game based on speed alone.

Observations from the Mountaintop

Thursday night was a genuine test of what the Avalanche could put together against a tougher opponent. The Kings came into the game ranked second in the Pacific Division behind the Vegas Golden Knights. They are trying to maintain their playoff position, just like the Avalanche, sitting only two points ahead of Edmonton. Colorado just outgunned the Kings and had too many weapons at their disposal.

Even though Colorado lacked the power of Josh Manson, Joel Kiviranta, and Erik Johnson (all out with injury), they still had the pieces to make up for them. ESPN said on the broadcast that the coaching staff is seeing a lot of similarities with the 2022 Stanley Cup team. That alone should excite fans for the rest of the season.

Next Game

On Saturday, March 29th at 2:30 p.m. MT, the Avalanche will face the red-hot St. Louis Blues. The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports.