Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders was one for the books. With a 7–4 win, the Colorado Avalanche set an NHL record for the longest road win streak after securing their 15th victory across two seasons.
The Avalanche continue to be undefeated, as their record improves to 6–0–0. The team outshot the Islanders 40–32.
After joining the team in June, Ryan Johansen has proven to be a valuable contributor to the lineup. He accounted for two of the seven total goals for the night. Nathan MacKinnon had trouble finding the back of the net after firing eight shots, but only being able to convert one of them.
Mikko Rantanen also had an explosive showing, scoring one goal and three assists, marking his 300th career assist.
First period
The Avalanche found themselves in the box just over two minutes into the period after Miles Wood was sent to the box for roughing alongside New York’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Only 5:19 into the first period, Johansen scored on a wrist shot with help from Cale Makar and Rantanen to take the lead early.
Colorado maintained its lead for just under four minutes before the Islanders responded and tied the game 1–1. Makar collected a backhanded goal on the top shelf, set up by Devon Toews and Rantanen to lead 2–1 and outshot their opponent 19–6 at the conclusion of the first frame.
Remember to wash your vegetables 🤧#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/5wIXA1mZt0
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 25, 2023
Second period
With replenished energy, the Islanders made it clear they would not go down easy. At 2:01, Jack Johnson took a penalty for tripping and sent the visiting team to a penalty kill. Capitalizing on the deficit, New York to tie the score 2–2.
A short three minutes later would be the only time the Islanders pulled into the lead, as Simon Holmstrom made the score 3–2.
In a quick 13-second turnaround, Bowen Byram tied the score 3–3 before MacKinnon added to the party for a 4–3 score with only 29 seconds remaining in the second period. Makar assisted with Byram’s goal, while Valeri Nichushkin assisted on both.
Two goals in 13 seconds! 😳
The @Avalanche are buzzing!
📺: Watch Frozen Frenzy action on @espn ➡️ https://t.co/FmPv8M6v1l pic.twitter.com/xK9uFRHjCF
— NHL (@NHL) October 25, 2023
Third period
Though the Avalanche entered the third period with a one-goal advantage, it was time to get down to business. At the 4:40 mark in the period, the Islanders netted their final goal, bringing the score back to a standstill at 4–4.
Assisted by Tomas Tatar, Rantanen notched a goal to regain a 5–4 edge. In an effort to stay in the match, the Islanders pulled their goalie, which would prove unsuccessful. With one minute left in the game and an empty net in front of him, Johansen added his second goal to the scoreboard and Rantanen’s participation would be his 300th career assist.
The last goal of the game would be credited to Ross Colton, his first in an Avalanche sweater. In a battle for the puck, Colton unofficially received assistance from the Islanders themselves, and he put the score to rest with 31 seconds remaining in the game.
Analysis
The Avalanche dominated the offensive zone in the first frame, but the ratios quickly evened out as the contest went on. The penalty kill continues to be successful, but the power play goals seem to be few and far between.
The Avalanche will continue their season on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The Penguins are 2–4–0.