NHL Roundup: Avalanche Take Top Spot in Western Conference, Gibson Returns to Ducks
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights
The NHL featured a brief three-game lineup on Friday without any shutouts or overtime. Anaheim fans witnessed a reunion with their former longtime goalie.
Colorado's Martin Necas, fresh off signing an eight-year contract extension on Thursday, made an impressive debut with a goal and two assists. He scored the opening goal just 41 seconds into the game.
- Brock Nelson added a second goal for Colorado in the second period, putting the Avalanche up 2-0.
- Vegas' Tomas Hertl scored on the power play to cut the deficit to 2-1.
- Brent Burns, 4 years old in the NHL, scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Necas, extending the lead to 3-1.
- Mitch Marner responded quickly for Vegas, narrowing the gap to 3-2 in the third period.
- Necas earned his second assist as Cale Makar scored an empty-net goal sealing the game for the Avalanche, marking their second consecutive win.
With a 7-1-4 record, Colorado leads the Western Conference with 18 points, while Vegas holds a 6-2-3 record with 15 points.
Capitals vs. Islanders
After Tom Wilson opened scoring for the Capitals, New York answered with three unanswered goals to secure the win.
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored a short-handed goal near the end of the first period, marking New York's first scoring play.
- Bo Horvat increased the lead to 2-1 for the Islanders.
- Matthew Barzal, recently benched by coach Patrick Roy for "personal reasons," sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, handing the Capitals their third loss in five games.
"Matthew Barzal, who was benched recently by head coach Patrick Roy for 'personal reasons', scored the empty-netter to gift the Caps their third loss in the past five games."
Author's summary: The Avalanche secured first place in the Western Conference with a strong effort led by Martin Necas, while the Islanders' comeback capped a tough stretch for the Capitals.