ANAHEIM, Calif. — Cale Makar led the Colorado Avalanche with a goal and two assists as the NHL-leading team defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 on Tuesday night, halting Anaheim’s five-game winning streak. Nathan MacKinnon contributed an assist in the third period, marking his fourth straight 100-point season, while Colorado completed a sweep of Southern California opponents.
Strong Performances from Multiple Avalanche Players Fuel the Victory
Parker Kelly scored twice and Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves to help the Avalanche extend their winning run to three games and four wins in five since the Olympic break. Martin Necas added his 27th goal, and Gabriel Landeskog also found the net, securing Colorado’s back-to-back wins against Southern California teams.
Ducks Fall Short Despite Cutter Gauthier’s Goal and Lukas Dostal’s Saves
Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier scored his 29th goal, and goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 21 shots, but the Ducks could not maintain their momentum. Their eight-game home winning streak, ongoing since January 2, came to an end with this loss.
Playoff Implications and Power Play Performance
Anaheim needed at least a point to move into first place in the Pacific Division; instead, the Ducks remain one point behind Vegas as they chase their first playoff appearance since 2018. After failing to capitalize on two early power plays, Makar took advantage to score his 18th goal, giving Colorado an initial lead. Necas followed with his seventh power-play goal of the season, despite Colorado’s struggles on the man advantage, which ranks as the NHL’s worst over the past 12 games.
Key Moments and Upcoming Matchups for Both Teams
Early in the second period, Gauthier scored a one-timer off a precise cross-ice pass from Jackson LaCombe, but Kelly answered for Colorado with his 14th goal later in the frame. Landeskog added a goal in his second consecutive game, converting a one-timer setup from MacKinnon, who recorded his 59th assist of the season alongside his NHL-best 41 goals.
The Avalanche will face Dallas on Friday night, while Anaheim hosts the New York Islanders on Wednesday.
