Avalanche Extend Streak Behind Necas’ Four-Point Night.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

The Colorado Avalanche continued their impressive run on Thursday night, skating to a 6–3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Denver. With the win, Colorado stretched its current point streak to nine games, reinforcing its status as one of the NHL’s hottest teams. Forward Martin Necas led the charge, posting a standout performance with two goals and two assists in a game that showcased both his speed and playmaking ability. The Avalanche wasted little time establishing control. Necas opened the scoring just fifty-two seconds into the first period, capitalizing on a breakaway to energize the home crowd. Moments later, Artturi Lehkonen followed up on a rebound from Sam Malinski’s shot, giving Colorado an early 2–0 cushion. Although Buffalo briefly responded with a goal from former Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram, Colorado’s Brock Nelson answered quickly to restore the two-goal lead. The fast-paced opening period continued when Jordan Greenway scored late to narrow the Sabres’ deficit to 3–2. Buffalo battled back in the second period, tying the game 3–3 when Tage Thompson buried a power-play one-timer while falling to his knees. But the Sabres’ momentum was short-lived. Colorado rookie Gavin Brindley broke the tie less than two minutes later, ripping a shot from the right circle to put the Avalanche back in front. From that point on, Colorado never looked back.

Necas struck again in the third period for his second goal of the night and twelfth of the season, extending the Avalanche lead to 5–3. Captain Gabriel Landeskog sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minutes. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood contributed a steady performance with 19 saves. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s struggles continued as the team suffered its fifth straight loss and saw starting goaltender Alex Lyon pulled early after surrendering two goals on three shots. The Avalanche will look to keep their streak alive when they host the New York Islanders on Sunday. Buffalo, hoping to regroup, will close out its four-game road trip Saturday in Detroit. Both teams enter the weekend aiming to strengthen their footing, but Colorado’s consistent play suggests that momentum is firmly on its side.