Avalanche get key MacKinnon goal in the third, take home opener over Utah

The Colorado Avalanche were a mixed bag for the first 40 minutes of their home opener on Thursday night.

Then, things picked up just enough.

The Avs needed to re-group after a poor second period, and did it quickly in the third against the Utah Mammoth. Nathan MacKinnon took things into his own hands, as arguably the best player on the planet sniped home a power play goal to make it 2-1 Colorado with just about 17 minutes to go.

That proved to be enough, as the Avalanche held on for a victory by the same score and improved to 2-0-0 on the young season. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood was excellent, much like he was in Los Angeles to open the season, making 31 saves in the win.

The second period was indeed brutal from the Avalanche, as they managed only four shots on goal and it took them more than 14 minutes into the frame to register their first. They also had two power-plays, but couldn’t capitalize on either, unable to generate significant chances. That would’ve been a bigger story had MacKinnon not rescued them.

Wedgewood also made two phenomenal saves to keep Colorado up 1-0. He robbed Utah’s Dylan Guenther on a breakaway, but Guenther got his revenge moments later, scoring on the power play for the Mammoth to make it 1-1. That’s where things stood entering the third.

The Avalanche did come out faster in the first period against Utah than they did facing the Kings. Colorado had several good chances, but found the back of the net on a gorgeous play from the third line.

The guys broke in with a three-on-two and put on a passing clinic. Victor Olofsson whipped it across the ice to Jack Drury, who then found a streaking Ross Colton up the middle. Colton didn’t miss, sniping into into the upper-right corner to put the Avs up 1-0.

TIC-TAC-GOAL! ❌⭕️

The @Avalanche open the scoring off a stunning passing play! #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/uW9H7TImiE

— NHL (@NHL) October 10, 2025

The game looked to be in the balance after a couple of periods, but even though it wasn’t the prettiest hockey, Colorado got it done.

Up next is a (small) chance at revenge against the Stars on Saturday night at Ball Arena. Dallas knocked the Avalanche out of the playoffs each of the last two years, including a heartbreaking Game 7 in early May.

But after beginning last season 0-4-0, you can bet Colorado will take a perfect 2-0-0 to start another campaign where the Stanley Cup is an attainable and realistic goal.

Talked with Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood about his strong start to the season, he was also asked about the “Wedgie” chants and getting opportunities at home with Mackenzie Blackwood banged up. pic.twitter.com/zK68NHGxoC

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) October 10, 2025

Avalanche improve to 2-0! MacKinnon, Wedgwood lead home opener Win 🥅@PetersenWill beaks down the win from Ball Arena #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2PScb7htNy

— Denver Sports 104.3 (@DenSports1043) October 10, 2025

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