Avalanche Extend Winning Streak With 4–1 Victory Over Islanders

Ron Chenoy | Images

 The Colorado Avalanche continued their dominant start to the 2025–26 NHL season with a 4–1 win over the New York Islanders on Sunday night in Denver. Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson delivered two goals just 1:19 apart in the second period, shifting momentum firmly in Colorado’s favor as the Avalanche claimed their sixth straight victory. With the win, the Avalanche improved to 13-1-5 and stretched their point streak to nine consecutive games.

  Brock Nelson contributed a goal and an assist for Colorado, while Martin Nečas added an empty-net goal in the final minute. Despite being held without a point for the first time in twelve games, NHL scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon saw his team extend its league-best record. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood provided stability throughout the night, stopping 28 shots to preserve the win.

  For the Islanders, Emil Heineman opened the scoring early when Tony DeAngelo’s shot deflected off his skate and beat Wedgewood just 2:05 into the game. Although Colorado challenged the play for a kicking motion, the goal stood. Ilya Sorokin kept the Islanders competitive with 25 saves, but New York could not sustain its momentum after winning the first four games of its seven-game road trip.

  The night also featured a tribute to Islanders head coach Patrick Roy during the first media timeout. Roy, an iconic figure in Colorado’s hockey history, backstopped the Avalanche to Stanley Cup titles in 1996 and 2001 before later returning to coach the team to a standout 112-point season in 2013–14. His coaching return to Denver, now behind the Islanders’ bench, added emotional weight to an already highly anticipated matchup.

  Colton tied the game in the second period with his third goal of the season, followed quickly by Olofsson’s deflection of a Sam Malinski shot to take the lead. Nelson and Nečas sealed the victory in the closing minute, securing yet another strong showing for the NHL’s top team. The Islanders continue their road trip with a matchup in Dallas on Tuesday night, while the Avalanche remain home to host the New York Rangers on Thursday.