DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche are seemingly back on track. Two straight wins at Ball Arena to open the six-game homestand have come their way, with the most recent one coming Friday night against the Minnesota Wild in a 5-2 final.

Not only were the regulars doing their part, but there was plenty of help up and down the lineup. With the home team looking to get things clicking down the line, tonight’s effort certainly helped their case.

First Period

Colorado fell down early thanks to a defensive breakdown. Mats Zuccarello was left all alone in front and couldn’t miss to give the visitors the advantage.

They nearly added on a second on a 2-on-1 opportunity but were only bailed out by Mackenzie Blackwood. At the other end, Casey Mittelstadt and Valeri Nichushkin both had rebound opportunities but were unable to convert.

But Colorado would convert not much longer. After Jonas Brodin headed to the box for high-sticking Artturi Lehkonen, Nichushkin would score his first goal back from injury in the bumper to tie it up.

Nathan MacKinnon nearly tacked on another but hit the corner of the post and crossbar. He and the squad also had a pseudo-power play when a Wild player lost his skateblade in the offensive zone, but he was able to get help from the referee to get back into the play.

Lehkonen would be dinged with a high-sticking penalty himself, and it cost them. Vinnie Hinostroza tipped in a Brock Faber shot from the point to get the lead back.

Devon Toews drew a hooking penalty himself in the final minute on Marat Khusnutdinov. While the Avs were close, they’d get another chance with the penalty carrying over to the second.

Second Period

Despite having the power play to open the period come to an end, Colorado would have all the momentum in the period. Lehkonen nearly added the equalizer in front but Filip Gustavsson was up to the task.

Oliver Kylington would have his say though. His great stretch pass found Jonathan Drouin, who went top-shelf for the game-tying goal.

Just 52 seconds later, the Avalanche would gain the lead. Cale Makar’s shot found the stick of Jack Drury behind the net, who was able to flip it home on the backhand from the far side.

Ross Colton got in on the fun, having a 2-on-1 with Kylington. He finished off his bouncing pass and doubled the advantage for the Avs.

Colorado would end up outshooting the Wild 13-4 in the period. They almost added on another thanks to a lengthy offensive zone shift in the final three minutes of the frame but held the two-goal lead with 20 minutes to go.

Third Period

Colorado killed off two early penalties from Mittelstadt and MacKinnon, with the visitors not threatening too much. Their best chance came at the 9:17 mark when Brock Faber’s chance in the slot was shut down by Blackwood.

Still down two, the Wild tried to push forward but were stymied several times. Blackwood made some crucial saves with the net empty, and MacKinnon couldn’t finish it up with an empty netter as he was held up. But it did put the Avs on the power play to end the game where Colton did score on the empty-net to secure the 5-2 win.

Observations from the Mountaintop

For the second straight game, Colorado finally got some help outside of the top line. Kylington had an impressive night on the blue line with two assists, and driving play forward. He had a couple of odd moments in the defensive zone but did enough. Colton finally scored his first goal in almost two months, with his last one coming on January 9th and getting the first star of the game with two goals and an assist. Drury also added on with what would end up being the game-winner. Drouin also added on from the second line, which was helpful thanks to his linemate.

That said linemate deserves a shoutout of his own, which is none other than Nichushkin. He opened the scoring on the power play this evening and is simply the difference in the side. He drives the play forward and delivers when called upon. Colorado hasn’t figured out how to win without him, which has been demonstrated several times. But in the two games back from injury, he has been a difference-maker. It would certainly be helpful if they find a way without him when he’s unavailable. But if he’s in the lineup, it’s even better for Colorado down the stretch.

Head Coach Jared Bednar celebrated his 53rd birthday in style with the win, a second straight one at that. The Avs are now seemingly back on track after the initial stumble after the Four Nations Face-Off break. The win was a big one, as the Avalanche are now tied with the Wild on 72 points – but Minnesota still has a game in hand. Nonetheless, at least being tied on points and “out” of the wild card spots is comforting for Colorado in a tight playoff race. Only 22 games remain in the regular season, and it’s coming down to the wire to see where they lie heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Next Game

The homestand continues on Tuesday night when Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins come to town. To some out there, they hope it’s not the last time Crosby plays in Colorado this season. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. MT.