The Colorado Avalanche kicked off their preseason on Sunday with the perfect start, taking both halves of a split-squad doubleheader against the Utah Mammoth.
The afternoon began with a 5–1 win at Magness Arena, followed by a hard-fought 3–2 victory at Ball Arena.
Game 1: Brindley, Nielsen Shine in 5–1 Win
The first contest belonged to Colorado’s young guns. Gavin Brindley scored twice, including a power-play goal, while Tristen Nielsen also added two tallies.
Danil Gushchin chipped in with a redirect goal, and veterans Valeri Nichushkin (3 assists) and Cale Makar (2 assists) set the tone offensively.
One of the defining moments came early in the third period. After Cale Makar was elbowed by a Utah player, Gabriel Landeskog wasted no time dropping the gloves to stand up for his teammate.
After the game, Landeskog downplayed the fight: “It’s not a big deal — but when one of our guys gets hurt, someone’s got to do something.”
Head coach Jared Bednar praised his captain’s return: “We’ve missed him the last three years. His leadership on and off the ice is unbelievable.
He always does the right things, and the way he looks after the young prospects — that’s why he’s our captain.”
Bednar also noted how much Landeskog’s presence energizes the group: “When your captain sets that standard, everyone else follows. He changes the entire room.”
Game 2: Necas, Nelson Finish the Job
The second half of the doubleheader was tighter, but Colorado found a way. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring on a rebound, while Martin Necas added a goal and an assist.
With the game tied late, Brock Nelson delivered the game-winner, tipping in Necas’ point shot with just over five minutes remaining.
The game also had its share of physicality, with Zakhar Bardakov and Matt Stienburg dropping the gloves to stand up for teammates.
Goaltender Trent Miner turned aside 19 of 20 shots through two periods to keep Colorado in control.
Three Stars of the Day
⭐ Gavin Brindley – Two goals in the opener, including a power-play marker.
⭐ Martin Necas – A goal and an assist, showing instant chemistry in burgundy and blue.
⭐ Cale Makar – Two helpers and his usual impact driving play from the back end.
???? Honorable Mention: Gabriel Landeskog – For reminding everyone why he wears the “C,” standing up for teammates and setting the tone on and off the ice.
Final Thoughts
It was a very good start for the Avalanche. The intensity was there in both games, young players made an impact, and the veterans looked sharp easing into preseason action.
This is exactly how you want to launch camp — two wins, balanced scoring, and plenty of compete.
Next Up
The Avalanche return to training camp on Monday before hosting the Dallas Stars on Saturday at 5 p.m. MT in their next preseason matchup.
