Source : The Canadian Press
In Denver, Valeri Nichushkin's two goals propelled the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Nathan MacKinnon's two assists not only aided in the win but also set a franchise record for single-season points, surpassing Peter Stastny's mark from 1981-82 when the team was based in Quebec. MacKinnon concluded the regular season with 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists), falling short of Nikita Kucherov's league-leading 144 points. Despite this, MacKinnon remains a contender for the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP, alongside Kucherov, Auston Matthews, and Connor McDavid.
Mikko Rantanen, Josh Manson, and Zach Parise also contributed goals as the Avalanche secured a commanding 4-0 lead midway through the first period. Their victory was bolstered by goaltender Justus Annunen's 25 saves. The team, with 31 home wins, heads into the playoffs against Winnipeg.
For Edmonton, Dylan Holloway managed a power-play goal amidst a lineup missing several key players, including McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Zach Hyman, and Leon Draisaitl. Oilers forward Corey Perry acknowledged the Avalanche's dominance and their readiness for playoff contention.
Both MacKinnon and Kucherov reached the 140-point milestone this season, a feat accomplished only seven times in NHL history. Jonathan Drouin's injury late in the second period added a concern for the Avalanche, although Coach Jared Bednar provided no updates post-game.
In attendance were the Denver Pioneers, recipients of a warm reception for their recent NCAA national hockey title win, marking their record 10th championship.
