The Colorado Avalanche cruised to a 7-4 victory over the slumping Florida Panthers on Saturday night, led by a breakout performance from Jonathan Drouin and a dominant showing from Mikko Rantanen. Drouin, playing in just his fifth game of the season after missing 16 with an upper-body injury, scored his first two goals of the campaign, while Rantanen added a goal and three assists.
The win marked Colorado’s third straight on their four-game road trip, improving their record to 3-0-0 during this stretch.
Colorado’s decisive second period was the key to victory. After entering the frame tied 1-1, the Avalanche poured in four goals, including Drouin’s second of the night. Logan O’Connor, Samuel Girard, and Rantanen also found the back of the net in a span that overwhelmed the Panthers.
Valeri Nichushkin contributed a goal and two assists, while defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews each notched two assists. Oliver Kylington added a goal for the Avalanche, highlighting their depth on a night where Nathan MacKinnon quietly played in his 812th game, just one shy of tying Michel Goulet for fourth-most in franchise history.
Florida, now losers of five of their last six games, couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities. Goals from Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe, and Anton Lundell kept them within striking distance, but critical missed chances sealed their fate.
A pivotal moment came early in the third period, with Florida down 6-3. The Panthers were awarded 56 seconds of five-on-three power play time but had a potential goal waved off for goaltender interference against Matthew Tkachuk. Florida challenged the call but lost, resulting in an additional delay-of-game penalty that stifled their momentum.
Nathan MacKinnon is on the verge of surpassing Michel Goulet for fourth-most games played in franchise history, trailing only Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk, and Adam Foote. Cale Makar continues to cement his legacy, now with 100 multi-point games in his career.
Sam Reinhart extended his point streak to 13 games, tying the second-longest streak in franchise history alongside Jonathan Huberdeau and Pavel Bure. Florida’s inability to convert on power play opportunities, including a crucial five-on-three, proved costly.
Makar’s 100th career multi-point game is a testament to his consistency and offensive prowess from the blue line, a rare feat for a defenseman of his age.
The Avalanche look to complete a perfect road trip when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. The Panthers, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they host the Washington Capitals on the same night.
The win for Colorado showcased their offensive depth and resilience, while the Panthers are left searching for answers as their season enters a challenging stretch.
