Power play explodes as Colorado Avalanche pound New Jersey Devils at home

The Colorado Avalanche got a huge 5-1 win at Ball Arena over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night to snap a two-game skid. The game was tight through 40 minutes. However, the Avalanche pulled away with four goals, including two on the power play, in the third period to lock up their 34th win of the season.

Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and an assist for three points on the night. He scored a power play goal to give the Avs a 2-0 lead early in the third. But it was his second of the night, a lacrosse-type goal that turned heads in the crowd.

Here’s a look at the goal:

MacKinnon batted the puck out of midair, keeping his stick under the crossbar to ensure it wasn’t a high stick. The goal was crucial as the Devils responded some moments later to close the gap back to one goal.

Then, the Avs erupted for three more goals, with Casey Mittelstadt getting his 10th of the year. Logan O’Connor and Artturi Lehkonen had the other tallies for the Avalanche.

Martin Necas continues to impress as he notched three assists on the night. Necas looks increasingly confident with each passing game. In particular, He unloaded a one-timer during the power play that led to MacKinnon’s goal. That’s something that Necas really didn’t get a chance to do in Carolina.

Now, Necas has a true opportunity to become a legitimate star. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to play alongside one of the world’s best centers in MacKinnon.

Blackwood continues to shine for Colorado Avalanche

MacKenzie Blackwood was crucial in keeping the game close for the Avs on Wednesday night. The game was tight through 40 minutes, with Blackwood ensuring the Devils didn’t get back into the game. Specifically, Blackwood made a huge save on a Jack Hughes breakaway to preserve the lead.

In fact, Blackwood’s performance was crucial as his reliable goaltending bought the Avalanche enough time to eventually pull away.

But there’s something else about Blackwood that has made a significant difference for the Avs. The stop on Hughes was the result of a broken play that went the other way for the Devils. A Cale Makar shot was blocked, with the rebound landing on Hughes’ stick.

Now, had Hughes scored, the game would have been tied. Now, it would have been tough to blame Blackwood for the play. After all, it was a bad luck bounce that would have been hard to stop. But then again, that’s the difference in having a true number-one guy in the crease.

While the breakaway wasn’t exactly anyone’s fault, Blackwood bailed out his team with a huge save. That save alone, was the difference-maker on the night. Blackwood stopped Hughes, preserved the lead, and allowed his team to get back on track and eventually pull away.

The encouraging win against the Devils will hopefully be the beginning of a turnaround, which, frankly, showed the Avalanche playing some desperate hockey. It seems the team isn’t ready to go quietly this season.