![Annunen records back-to-back shutouts against Blackhawks Annunen](https://i0.wp.com/www.the-rink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2051579153_slide.jpg?fit=774%2C540&ssl=1)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender, Justus Annunen blocked all 37 shots from the Chicago Blackhawks, giving him back-to-back shutouts. The Blackhawks extended their road loss streak to 22 games and goaltender Petr Mrazek has now lost seven straight (0β5β2).
After winning 5-0 against the Blackhawks on Thursday night, the Avalanche aimed to achieve the same result. The Avalanche recorded a repeat score against the Blackhawks Monday night at Ball Arena.
First period
The first period started slowly, the Avalanche maintained control with only four shots on goal after ten minutes of play.
Nathan MacKinnon lit the lamp to extend his home point streak to 30 games. MacKinnon now has a point in every home game this season. Devon Toews and Cale Makar assisted him.
Nathan Mackinnon extended his home point streak to 30 games…
You read that right π#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/grvCcratli
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 5, 2024
To round out the frame, Jonathan Drouin made it 2β0 from the right circle with a wrist shot. In their last matchup, Drouin had an assist in the second period. Tonight, he walked away with his 11th of the season.
Top cheddar π§#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/B1i6r6NzfG
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 5, 2024
Second period
Statistically, the two teams played an evenly matched game. Colorado entered the second with 22 shots on goal and Annunen saw 20 shots from Chicago.
12 minutes into the period, Cale Makar made it 3β0 with a shot to the far post. MacKinnon picked up his first assist of the night on this play and Mikko Rantanen with his 48th.
Makar is now the franchise leader in points (312), goals (79), and assists (233) as a defenseman.
Look at the flick of the wrist.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/wDBKqLB5o5
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 5, 2024
Zach Parise scored his fourth goal of the season with three minutes remaining in the second. Caleb Jones and MacKinnon assisted him. In only 14 games with the Avalanche, Parise has scored four goals, and three assists and has proven to be an essential asset.
Are you ready 4οΈβ£-0 it?#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Rxo1VwM79n
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 5, 2024
Third period
A power-play goal late in the third from MacKinnon finished the game 5β0. MacKinnon now holds the sixth-longest streak in the NHL for points with 65 (25 goals, 40 assists).
Annunen secured the win with 37 shots saved and now holds a record of 3β2β0β1.
Takeaways
Blackhawksβ Connor Bedard played 22:31 minutes, and the Avalanche held him to minus 3. The Blackhawks increase their losing streak and sit at eighth in the Central Division. They will make their way to Arizona and faceoff against the Coyotes tomorrow at 7 p.m.
As for the Avalanche, they continue to sit at third in the Central Division, just two points behind the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche will be back at home Wednesday night, hosting the Red Wings.