Avalanche power play finally becomes the difference in Blackwood shutout

The Colorado Avalanche pulled off a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday Night at Ball Arena, finally delivering on their elite talent level.

But the game didn’t start out that way. The Avs barely survived the first period, being woefully outshot 13-5. It was precisely what we had talked about earlier: How teams come into matchups against the Avalanche, looking to get off to a strong start.

But after surviving the first, the Avs took over. The dominant second period paved the way with two power play goals to open up a 2-0 lead. The Avs would add two more in the third to help preserve MacKenzie Blackwood’s first shutout of the season.

The power play finally came through for Colorado

The Avalanche power play felt like a dam just waiting to burst. And it did on Saturday night. The Avs went 3-for-5, with the usual suspects getting in on the act. Martin Necas, who had a four-point night, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar scored with the man advantage.

Let’s start with the Necas goal. He did something that the Avs hadn’t been doing earlier this season. He went to the net.

All too often, he had seen the Avs hanging around the periphery, hoping to get a shot away. Instead, the second unit, most notably Gabe Landeskog, began parking out front of the net, and, well, that eventually added a different dimension to the power play that hadn’t really worked before.

Now, it has, and it’s making life tough for opponents.

Necas’ goal was crucial because it helped open up the Red Wings’ penalty kill, allowing MacKinnon to unleash this rocket.

It’s worth pointing out that having T.J. Hughes in that bumper spot has worked out well in the end. He’s become much more comfortable and, frankly, a nuisance for penalty killers. He helped create the opportunity for Necas’ first goal, rightfully getting the main assist on the tally.

By the way, Hughes has two goals and seven points in 18 games this season. That’s a phenomenal total for a rookie playing on a loaded team like Colorado. Hughes may not win the rookie scoring race this season and doesn’t figure to be a Calder Trophy candidate. But boy does he look like he’s going to be a long-term fixture in Colorado.

Blackwood shut the door in the first period

The Avalanche’s big win wouldn’t have been possible without MacKenzie Blackwood shutting the door in the first period. If Detroit had even scored once, it would have changed the game’s complexion. This time around, the Colorado starting netminder was clearly the difference on the night.

It’s the sort of outing in which everyone deserves credit for playing a solid all-around game.

The Avalanche will have a couple of days off to rest before heading out east to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their lone visit of the season to Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.

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