On a night when the Colorado Avalanche honored one of the greatest teams in franchise history, the current group delivered a performance the 1995-96 Stanley Cup champions would’ve admired.
Six different Avalanche players found the back of the net and 13 recorded at least one point as Colorado rolled to a 6–2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Malinski, Brock Nelson, Gavin Brindley, Artturi Lehkonen and captain Gabriel Landeskog all scored, powering the NHL’s top team to yet another dominant win.
With the victory, the Avalanche improved to 22-2-7 and reached 51 points, making them just the sixth team in the past 20 years to hit the 50-point benchmark in 31 games or fewer. Their explosive offense overwhelmed Florida from the opening faceoff, and the Panthers—playing the second night of a back-to-back and fresh off a win in Utah—never found their footing.
Colorado wasted no time seizing control. Malinski scored just 1:14 into the game, capitalizing on a sluggish Panthers team still feeling the effects of travel and the emotional high of their 4–3 win the night before.
MacKinnon added to the Avalanche lead with a second-period tally that carried special significance. The goal—his 392nd career score—moved him past Avalanche icon Joe Sakic (391) for the most goals in Colorado Avalanche history. Sakic, who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Nordiques/Avalanche franchise, still holds the overall franchise record with 625 goals.
MacKinnon nearly added another on a penalty shot, but Florida goaltender Daniil Tarasov made one of his 36 saves to deny him. Tarasov faced relentless pressure all night from Colorado’s high-powered attack.
While MacKinnon’s milestone drew headlines, the Avalanche showcased the depth that has made them the league’s most consistent force this season. Nelson, Lehkonen, Landeskog and Malinski all chipped in goals, and the return of rookie forward Gavin Brindley added another spark.
Brindley, playing his first game since Nov. 20 due to injury, scored and added an assist in an impressive return. His goal was set up by 40-year-old defenseman Brent Burns, a fun generational twist given that Brindley wasn’t even born when Burns was drafted in 2003.
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 23 shots for Colorado, steadying the crease even as the Avalanche controlled most of the action.
The Panthers managed goals from Noah Gregor and Mackie Samoskevich, but their energy lagged after last night’s road win. This loss marks the beginning of a demanding stretch: 10 straight games against teams that qualified for last year’s playoffs.
Tarasov’s workload underscored the challenge. Facing 42 shots, he did everything he could to keep the Panthers competitive as Colorado dictated pace and possession for long stretches.
Before puck drop, Ball Arena celebrated the 1995-96 Avalanche, the team that delivered Denver’s first major professional sports championship after relocating from Quebec. That group famously swept the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final—adding a fitting historic backdrop to Thursday’s matchup.
The current Avalanche look every bit like a team capable of building their own legacy. With elite play at the top, improving health, and contributions up and down the lineup, Colorado continues to set the league’s standard.
Panthers: At Dallas on Saturday. Avalanche: Host Nashville on Saturday.
