POSTGAME: An Avalanche of Milestones as Colorado Bests the Kings 4-0
Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) celebrates with goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (39) after the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesDenver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche took the second game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Kings, improving their season series against them to 2-0-0, in resounding fashion. Tonight's 4-0 win marked a wave of milestones up and down the lineup.
The Mayor Gets Things Going
Forward Logan O'Connor notched his second goal in two games tonight. To start off the scoring for Colorado, O'Connor finished an incredible weaving performance put on by defensive teammate Cale Makar. Makar lost the puck near the slot, but it finds O'Connor's stick, and Colorado goes up 1-0.
Tonight's goal marked O'Connor's 100th career point. The Missouri City, Texas native has spent his entire career with Colorado. He signed with the Avalanche as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has since played 334 games with the club.
The 28-year-old just signed a six-year, $2.5 million AAV contract extension with the club in September of 2024.
The Marty Party Continues!
It's no secret that, since coming to Colorado, Martin Necas has thrived. Since joining the Avalanche, Necas has notched 25 points in 24 games. His most recent point, a secondary assist on Jonathan Drouin's goal tonight, marked his 200th career assist.
The Nove Mesto na Morave, Czechia native earned most of his points with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was part of a trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to Carolina. Upon arriving in Denver, the 26-year-old was slotted on the top line and has complimented Nathan MacKinnon spectacularly. His speed and puck-moving ability made for a fairly seamless transition into Colorado's system.
Necas found the net twice in tonight's game to bolster Colorado's win.
Blackwood Shut the Door
Tonight, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood recorded his fourth shutout of the season. This fourth shutout marks a career-high for the 28-year-old.
The last time Blackwood recorded three shutouts in a season was back in the 2019-20 season with the New Jersey Devils. Since making his NHL debut in 2018, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has earned 15 shutouts.
What's Next?
The Avalanche continue their four-game homestand with a matinee showdown with a divisional rival, the St. Louis Blues, on Saturday. Game time is slated for 2:30 pm Mountain Time.