Devon Toews scored twice, including the decisive go-ahead goal with 11:06 left in the third period, to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Monday night. Mikko Rantanen added a late empty-net goal, extending his points streak to 14 games, as the Avalanche capped off their four-game homestand with an impressive 3-0-1 record.
Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood was stellar between the pipes, making 26 saves and improving his record with the Avalanche to 7-1-1 since being acquired from San Jose last month. Blackwood’s play was crucial down the stretch, particularly in denying Matthew Tkachuk’s tying attempt with under 6:30 remaining.
Carter Verhaeghe gave Florida an early 1-0 lead in the first period, finishing a give-and-go with Anton Lundell for his 10th goal of the season. The Panthers looked poised to continue their road dominance when scoring first, a scenario in which they had an .818 winning percentage since the 2023-24 season, according to NHL Stats.
However, Toews ignited the Avalanche’s comeback late in the second period. His game-tying shot ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced off Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky’s back into the net with 1:42 left in the frame. Toews struck again in the third, burying a slap shot from the point to give Colorado the lead for good.
“Toews has been a leader for us all season, and tonight was no different,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said postgame. “His ability to step up in key moments has been invaluable.”
Blackwood’s performance stood out in a tightly contested game. From stopping Verhaeghe’s breakaway attempt to turning away Tkachuk’s dangerous shot in the third period, the goaltender continued to prove his value since joining the Avalanche.
“Mackenzie has been incredible for us,” Bednar added. “He’s given us stability in net and confidence throughout the lineup.”
On the other side, Sergei Bobrovsky was a standout for the Panthers, finishing with 31 saves, including 11 in the first period alone. His strong play kept Florida competitive, highlighted by a key save on Nathan MacKinnon’s mini-breakaway.
Still, the Panthers struggled to capitalize on their chances, especially on the power play, where they went 0-for-3. Colorado also failed to convert on their four power-play opportunities, with both teams going a combined 0-for-7.
Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt reached a milestone, playing in his 700th NHL game. Toews’ two-goal performance highlighted Colorado’s league-leading 110 points from defensemen this season.
The Avalanche hit the road to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday, while the Panthers travel to Utah to take on the Hockey Club.
The win solidifies the Avalanche as one of the NHL’s top contenders, with contributions from their defense and goaltending proving pivotal. Meanwhile, the Panthers will look to bounce back on the road, aiming to reclaim their winning form.
