Makar Leads Avalanche to Dominant 7-3 Win Over Calgary Flames.
CALGARY, Alberta — Cale Makar delivered an impressive performance Thursday night, scoring twice and adding an assist as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames 7-3 to improve to 3-1-0 on the season. Colorado responded strongly after suffering a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets the previous night. The Avalanche received contributions throughout their lineup, with Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz each scoring two goals. Nathan MacKinnon added a goal and two assists to help power Colorado's offense. After the teams finished the opening period tied 1-1, the Avalanche took control in the second. Colorado scored three goals in a span of less than five minutes, creating separation and putting Calgary under pressure. The Avalanche continued their offensive surge in the third period, adding two early goals to extend their advantage and secure a convincing road victory.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood made his first appearance of the season for Colorado, stopping 26 shots in his 200th career NHL game. His performance helped the Avalanche maintain their lead as Calgary attempted to respond. For the Flames, Adam Klapka, Mikael Backlund and Kevin Bahl each found the back of the net. Calgary goaltender Devin Cooley finished with 23 saves.
The loss dropped Calgary to 0-4-0, leaving the Flames as the only NHL team without a point at that stage of the season. Calgary had been outscored 23-6 through its first four games, resulting in a league-worst minus-17 goal differential.
For Colorado, the victory highlighted the team's offensive depth and ability to respond following a difficult loss. Makar's three-point performance led the way, while contributions from MacKinnon, Toews and Schwartz helped the Avalanche secure their third win of the season. The Avalanche will return to Denver to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, while Calgary will look for its first victory when it hosts the Anaheim Ducks.
