DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche extended their winning streak to three with a 4-1 triumph over the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at Ball Arena. CHAOTIC START, COMPOSED FINISH The Avalanche continued to build their case as one of the NHL’s elite defensive teams, limiting the Bruins to just 14 shots on goal in a suffocating performance. Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman was valiant under relentless pressure, keeping the game within reach, but Colorado’s precision and poise ultimately proved too much to overcome. The game began in chaotic fashion, with both clubs scoring on their first shots. John Beecher opened the scoring for Boston after redirecting a Charlie McAvoy shot that deflected off Josh Manson—who had courageously laid out to block the attempt. The unfortunate bounce rewarded the Bruins but only briefly. Moments later, Nathan MacKinnon, who led the Avalanche with two goals on the night, struck back. After Artturi Lehkonen forced David Pastrňák into a turnover at center ice, Lehkonen delivered a perfect feed to MacKinnon streaking down the left wing, and the superstar buried a backhander past Swayman to even the score. Manson redeemed himself soon after, blasting home a one-timer from Brent Burns for Colorado’s second goal—again on their second shot of the game. From that point forward, the Avalanche dictated the pace, showcasing their composure and structure despite the frenetic start. AREAS FOR REFINEMENT If there was one blemish on Colorado’s performance, it came in the faceoff circle. Midway through the second period, Boston held a 63% edge on draws—a statistic the Avalanche will want to improve against possession-heavy opponents. Jared Bednar stated after last night's game that he has all the confidence in the world in assistant coach Dave Hakstol. The power play also remained a work in progress, finishing 0-for-5 on the night. Still, the Avalanche generated sustained pressure and quality looks, and head coach Jared Bednar remains optimistic about the direction of the special teams under new assistant coach Dave Hakstol. “I think it’s a different view on the power plays (with Hakstol), some different messaging," Bednar told The Hockey News. “It’s not that the messaging wasn't good before, it's just trying to add and grow our PP units with a different view. He's helping out our young guys and our forwards and doing some video with those guys. It's a new voice, a new perspective, a guy's that's been around, (he's) an experienced good coach. I can't say better or worse, it's just different, and I think the guys are refreshed with some of the messaging that he's getting. That's why I have faith in the power play; I like what they're talking about. It's a matter of getting together and gelling a little bit." WEDGEWOOD SHINES AGAIN Goaltender Scott Wedgewood was once again outstanding, stopping 13 of 14 shots in another composed, technically sound performance. His consistency has been a revelation early in the season, though Bednar hinted that a rest could be coming soon. When asked when backup Trent Miner might see his first start, Bednar’s reply was characteristically concise: “We’ll see.” Overall, this team is very solid especially this early in the season. The Avalanche have nine goals against through six games. Last season, they gave up eight goals on opening night alone. This is a huge improvement, and of course, the offense is still producing at an extremely high rate. LOOKING AHEAD The Avalanche (5-0-1) now embark on a brief road trip as they prepare to face the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday, October 21. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. local time
