Three games back from the virus-induced extended break and the Colorado Avalanche are right back to mopping the floor with their opponents. This time the victim was the Winnipeg Jets whom the 'Avs haven't faced since sometime way back in 2019.
Colorado started off the game with some of that late-game malaise that allowed the Blackhawks back into the previous game. Mark Scheifele got the Jets off and running quickly with a first-period power-play goal, but the 'Avs responded with a goal from Nazem Kadri late in the period.
Kadri continues his torrid scoring pace notching his 12th goal and 42nd point of the season in just 27 games. The man on a mission story continues for Kadri.
Colorado outscored the Jets 6-0 in the final two periods, scoring three goals in each.
From the second period on Colorado's top-line had its way with the Jets. Landeskog, Mackinnon, and Rantanen combined for eight points in the middle frame with the captain burying two goals en route to his fourth career hat trick.
The third period was more dominant with Landeskog completing the trick and the defense jumping into the offensive fray for funsies. Mackinnon and Bowen Byram each added goal in the third.
In total the top line collected 12 points (5g 7a) and Byram collected a goal and an assist.
The 'Avs went 3/4 on the power play and Darcy Kuemper won his seventh start in a row stopping 34 of 35 shots to improve to 16-5 this season.
Colorado's record is now 20-8-2. They are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games and improved to 12-2-1 at home. The Avalanche have now won 10 straight games at home, matching the longest home winning streak in franchise history!
Three Stars of the Game as voted by attending media:
Gabriel Landeskog (COL): Three goals
Nathan MacKinnon (COL): One goal, four assists
Erik Johnson (COL): Two assists
The 'Avs can extend their winning streak at home when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, Jan. 8.
Thanks for reading, Steve