It’s been a long wait for Gabriel Landeskog, but the Avalanche captain finally found the back of the net for the first time since March 5, 2022. His second-period goal helped the Colorado Avalanche snap the Anaheim Ducks’ seven-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory Tuesday night at Ball Arena.
1st Period — Lightning Start and Early Push
Colorado didn’t waste time. Just 28 seconds in, Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring with a one-timer from the left circle, set up perfectly by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The early goal energized the home crowd and gave the Avs instant control.
Anaheim responded late in the period during 4-on-4 play when Leo Carlsson tied it at 1-1 after a great feed from Jacob Trouba behind the net.
Shots were even at 12-12 after one, with both goalies sharp — especially Scott Wedgewood, who made several key saves to keep things level.
2nd Period — The Captain Returns
Midway through the second, Landeskog finally got his moment. After a broken stick from Sam Malinski, the puck found Valeri Nichushkin, who fired a low shot that rebounded right to Landeskog. He buried it backhand to restore the lead at 2-1 and sent the Avalanche bench into a frenzy.
Colorado outshot Anaheim 11-7 in the frame, showing strong puck movement and tight defensive structure. Wedgewood continued to stand tall, stopping everything else that came his way.
3rd Period — Necas and Kelly Seal the Win
On a third-period power play, Martin Necas extended the lead to 3-1, redirecting MacKinnon’s shot from above the circles. Lehkonen got the secondary assist, completing a two-point night.
Later, with Anaheim’s net empty, Parker Kelly scored his fifth of the season to close it out 4-1.
Player Highlights
- Nathan MacKinnon – 3 assists, extending his point streak to 10 games (8G, 14A). He now holds the most 10+ game point streaks (11) in Avalanche/Nordiques history, surpassing Joe Sakic and Peter Stastny.
- Artturi Lehkonen – 1G, 1A, 4 SOG, and constant forechecking pressure.
- Martin Necas – 1 PPG, great net-front positioning and energy all game.
- Gabriel Landeskog – first regular-season goal in over 1,300 days; emotional moment for the captain.
- Cale Makar – 1 assist, +2, 24:54 TOI, steady on both ends.
- Parker Kelly – empty-net goal, relentless on the forecheck.
- Scott Wedgewood – 35 saves on 36 shots (.972 SV%), calm and composed from start to finish.
Game Stats
| Category | Colorado Avalanche | Anaheim Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 4 | 1 |
| Shots on Goal | 36 | 36 |
| Faceoff % | 51.7% (30/58) | 48.3% (28/58) |
| Power Play | 1/4 (25%) | 0/2 (0%) |
| Penalty Minutes | 6 | 10 |
| Hits | 16 | 26 |
| Blocked Shots | 13 | 19 |
| Giveaways | 12 | 16 |
| Takeaways | 6 | 7 |
Notes:
- Valeri Nichushkin left the game early in the third with a lower-body injury. No update postgame.
- MacKinnon’s 11th career streak of 10+ games now leads franchise history.
- The Avalanche improved to 11-1-5 and remain unbeaten in regulation in their last eight games (6-0-2).
- Next Game: Colorado hosts the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
Three Stars of the Game
⭐ 1st Star: Scott Wedgewood (COL) – 35 saves on 36 shots, .972 SV%
⭐ 2nd Star: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) – 0 G, 3 A, +2, 20:59 TOI
⭐ 3rd Star: Artturi Lehkonen (COL) – 1 G, 1 A, +1, 19:57 TOI
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Gabriel Landeskog’s return to the scoresheet marked a powerful moment for Colorado, as the Avalanche extended their unbeaten run to eight games. Nathan MacKinnon continues his dominant start with a 10-game point streak, while Scott Wedgewood proved steady in net once again.
Anaheim’s seven-game winning streak came to an end, but Leo Carlsson’s 11-game point streak shows the Ducks’ rebuild is on the right track.
