Avalanche cruise past Sabres thanks to two Nathan MacKinnon goals

The Colorado Avalanche played a matinee against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday afternoon.

And even though it was a bit of a strange time for a game, the Avs had no problem handling one of the worst teams in the NHL.

Nathan MacKinnon had two goals, Cale Makar added another and goalie Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves in a 3-1 victory. The Avalanche are now 3-0-1 on the season, with their only loss coming to Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars in a shootout.

The puck dropped at 12:30 p.m. in Buffalo, 10:30 a.m. for the body clocks of the Colorado players. But MacKinnon got the party started with a slick backhanded goal and then added another in the second period.

You're a wizard, Nate! pic.twitter.com/GIM4FyFLHM

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 13, 2025

It's SO good. pic.twitter.com/vM0m1Piv1w

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 13, 2025

Martin Necas also had two points, registering a pair of assists, and Makar earned a couple of points, adding an assist to go along with his goal.

The Avalanche had a brief scare in the third period when center Brock Nelson cut his hand on a skate, but he returned later in the frame and appears to be okay. Colorado outshot Buffalo 37-29 on the day, and could’ve won by even more but seemed content cruising in the final 20 minutes.

Up next for the Avs is a game in Columbus on Thursday night followed by being back at Ball Arena and taking on the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

With seven points, the Avalanche are easily alone in first place in the Western Conference. It’s very early, but considering they began last season 0-4-0, this has been a nice start out of the gate.

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