OTTAWA, ON – Mikko Rantanen’s two-goal performance was central to the Colorado Avalanche’s exhilarating 7-4 comeback victory against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday. This win highlights the Avalanche’s resilience, marking their fourth in the past five games and bouncing back from a narrow 4-3 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens the previous day.
Nathan MacKinnon extended his impressive point streak to nine games with two assists, contributing to the team’s offensive surge. Defenseman Samuel Girard also played a crucial role, providing three assists in a game where the Avalanche demonstrated their depth and scoring ability.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the team’s initial struggle in the match, citing a lack of energy and defensive lapses. However, he praised the team’s effort in ramping up their intensity, leading to a series of timely goals that turned the game in their favor.
The Avalanche showcased their resilience and scoring prowess with five unanswered goals after trailing 4-2 midway through the second period. This remarkable turnaround mirrors a similar comeback pattern against the Senators in their previous encounter in December.
For Colorado, Jason Polin celebrated his first NHL goal, and goalie Justus Annunen made 36 saves in his season debut. Annunen’s growing confidence throughout the game and his adaptation to the NHL’s pace were crucial for the Avalanche’s defensive efforts.
The Senators, led by captain Brady Tkachuk and veteran Claude Giroux, each with three assists, initially held a promising lead. Ridly Greig’s two goals and Jake Sanderson’s goal and assist underscored their offensive capabilities. However, the Senators’ inability to maintain their momentum and intensity for the full 60 minutes was a significant factor in their loss, as noted by Tkachuk.
Ottawa’s Mads Sogaard, making his season debut, faced a challenging night with 27 saves against a relentless Avalanche offense. Senators coach Jacques Martin pointed out the mental aspects of the game, emphasizing the need for building resistance and performing under pressure.
Rantanen’s crucial goals, including a snap shot off
a cross-ice pass from MacKinnon, were pivotal in reducing the deficit and igniting the Avalanche’s comeback. His consistency and impact were evident, maintaining his own nine-game point streak.
The Avalanche’s third-period surge was marked by goals from Miles Wood, Sam Malinski, and Logan O’Connor, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on opportunities and shift the game’s momentum. Wood’s goal, particularly noteworthy for its individual effort, and Malinski’s power-play strike exemplified Colorado’s multi-faceted attack.
Ottawa’s Drake Batherson initially gave the Senators an early lead with a power-play goal, showcasing their potential to challenge top teams. However, Colorado’s resilient response and offensive firepower ultimately overwhelmed the Senators.
The game was a display of several individual milestones and team strengths. MacKinnon’s continued scoring prowess tied him for the NHL scoring lead, highlighting his status as one of the league’s premier players. The Avalanche’s spread of scoring, with eleven players recording at least one point, and Devon Toews’ late empty-netter underscored their depth and collaborative effort.
For the Senators, Greig’s first multi-goal NHL game was a bright spot, indicating his growing confidence and skill at the professional level.
In a season marked by dramatic comebacks, Colorado’s latest win reinforces their status as a formidable contender, capable of overturning deficits and showcasing their depth and resilience. The Senators, despite the loss, demonstrated flashes of brilliance and will look to build on those positive aspects in their upcoming fixtures.
