Avalanche Clinch Playoff Spot, Top Blackhawks 4-1

The Colorado Avalanche became the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff berth, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Friday night. Nathan MacKinnon recorded three assists, leading the Avalanche to their 45th win of the season.

Avalanche Dominate First Period

Colorado jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Martin Necas and Brock Nelson. Necas scored at 13:19, extending his career-high point total. Nelson followed up at 15:22 with a power-play goal.

Necas Reaches Career High

The three-point game gave Necas a career-high 84 points (32 goals, 52 assists). Yeah, it feels good, Necas said. Let’s maintain it rolling. I think if you just play like that, there aren’t many games we’re going to lose. Just a strong overall game. Both goalies (Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood) played the last couple of games great, and just keep it rolling.

Blackhawks Respond, But Avalanche Pull Away

Wyatt Kaiser scored for Chicago in the second period, cutting the Avalanche lead to 2-1. Ryan Greene assisted on the goal.

“I don’t know if he was going to uncover me,” Kaiser said. “I just knew they were changing and we were kind of changing. So I just tried to jump in the middle to at least give ‘Greener’ some option. It landed on my stick. What a pass.”

Wyatt Kaiser

Still, Colorado responded with two more goals in the third period. Nazem Kadri scored on the power play 36 seconds into the period, and Valeri Nichushkin added another goal at 8:34.

Soderblom Stands Tall in Loss

Arvid Soderblom stopped 45 shots for the Blackhawks, despite the loss. Chicago played without defenseman Louis Crevier and forward Andrew Mangiapane due to injuries sustained in their previous game against the Minnesota Wild.

Blackhawks Struggle to Find Consistency

“We didn’t have it tonight,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “I thought they (the Avalanche) came out and played really, really well. They snapped the puck around well. They were skating. We weren’t skating. Too many times we were just kind of standing still, with and without the puck. Then you’re in a grind.”

Jeff Blashill

Looking Ahead

The Avalanche will continue their road trip against the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

FAQ

• Who scored for the Avalanche? Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, and Valeri Nichushkin.
• Who scored for the Blackhawks? Wyatt Kaiser.
• How many saves did Arvid Soderblom build? 45.
• What is the Avalanche’s record? 45-13-10.

Did you know? The Avalanche are the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Pro Tip: Consistent forechecking and strong defensive zone coverage are key to success in the NHL playoffs.

What are your thoughts on the Avalanche’s chances in the playoffs? Share your opinions in the comments below!