Even without Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche took care of business with a 4–2 win over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night. It ended up being a nice way to open the busy post-Olympic stretch for the visitors.

Nice performances all around helped the Avs get the victory. Scott Wedgewood was great, particularly in the middle frame, and ended with 30 saves. New man Brett Kulak was also noticeable on the defensive side in his first game in burgundy and blue.

Game four between Colorado and Utah wrapped up the competitive regular season series. For the first time in those four games, more than one goal decided a game. Should these two meet again this season, it would be in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Looking at the standings, it could be an actual possibility.

View From the Mountaintop

After a scoreless and slow first period, Colorado found its game from an unlikely source. Parker Kelly did his best MacKinnon impression with an insane goal. He broke through with some speed, beating four defenders to find the twine. He’d later force a turnover, leading to Victor Olofsson’s first goal on the road this season. Sam Malsinki was also pivotal with his brilliant pass for the primary assist. Kelly, who is already having a career year, proved his case even more on Wednesday night. He’s become a solidified bottom-six player who has put up points, can be physical, and can be a game-changer.

Despite Kelly’s success, there were still several big-name players who played their part. Brock Nelson was arguably the best player of the game for the Avs. The Team USA Gold medalist had a disallowed goal early on because of goaltender interference, but rebounded quickly. He would eventually get his 30th goal of the season and make a noticeable impact as the first-line center. Martin Necas also unleashed a wicked one-timer on the power play. It looked very similar to what he did with Team Czechia at the Olympics more than a few times. Perhaps some more PP work, thanks to Olympic success, is coming for Colorado as they aim to dig themselves out of the basement of power play percentage.

However, it didn’t mean there still weren’t concerns. Nelson continued wearing his bubble as he had been in the Olympics. Both Josh Manson and Ross Colton took some hard hits, which stung them. Both managed to return. The Avalanche did this all without MacKinnon, who did not play. However, he was listed as “maintenance” and not because of injury for missing the game. Jared Bednar mentioned some players might get rest because of their Olympic participation, and MacKinnon was the lone player chosen to rest. He is still expected to play back at home in Ball Arena.

Up Next

Colorado will be right back at it on Thursday night, back on home ice. They’ll have a tough test against a rested Minnesota Wild side. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. MT.