DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche secured a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory against the Boston Bruins at Ball Arena on Monday, with Nathan MacKinnon extending his impressive season-opening home point streak to 22 games. MacKinnon is now just one game short of tying Joe Sakic’s record for the longest home point streak at any point in a season in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history.
Goalie Matt Murray was instrumental in the win, making 23 saves to earn his first NHL shutout. Mikko Rantanen, Logan O’Connor, and Sam Malinski each scored for the Avalanche (26-12-3), who have won seven of their past nine games. Valeri Nichushkin scored the only goal in the shootout.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised his team for their complete performance, calling it one of the best games of the year. Brad Marchand scored twice for the Bruins (24-8-7), who had won five of their last six games before this encounter. John Beecher also scored for Boston, while Jeremy Swayman made 33 saves.
The game was highly competitive from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Marchand opened the scoring for Boston in the first period with a power-play goal. The Avalanche responded with Rantanen’s power-play goal, followed by O’Connor’s go-ahead goal in the second period.
Boston’s Beecher tied the game in the second period, but Malinski’s goal later in the period gave Colorado the lead again. Marchand’s second goal in the third period tied the game at 3-3, setting the stage for the shootout.
Boston coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the Avalanche’s strong start and praised Marchand’s leadership. Georgiev also noted the team’s offensive efforts and the opponent’s goalie’s role in keeping the game close.
The Avalanche’s win was highlighted by several key performances. Malinski’s goal was particularly noteworthy, considering he was recalled from the AHL on the morning of the game. MacKinnon’s ongoing home point streak and overall contributions continue to be pivotal for Colorado.
Brandon Carlo, Boston’s defenseman, left the game with an upper-body injury and did not return, adding to the Bruins’ challenges.
This victory for the Avalanche underlines their resilience and capability to win tightly contested games, while the Bruins will look to bounce back from this loss in their upcoming fixtures.
