NHL Roundup: Avalanche Lead Western Conference, Gibson Reunites with Ducks
The NHL featured three games on Friday, with no shutouts or overtime. Anaheim fans welcomed back their former longtime goalie in a notable reunion.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights
Colorado's Martin Necas (8) had a standout game, scoring one goal and providing two assists after signing an eight-year contract extension on Thursday. He opened the scoring just 41 seconds into the game.
- Brock Nelson (3) added a second goal for the Avalanche.
- Tomas Hertl (5) scored on a power play to bring Vegas back.
- Brent Burns (1) netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Necas, to make it 3-1.
- Mitch Marner (3) quickly responded to narrow the gap to 3-2 in the third period.
- Cale Makar (4) sealed the game with an empty-net goal assisted by Necas.
Colorado secured their second consecutive win and now leads the Western Conference with an 7-1-4 record (18 points). Vegas fell to 6-2-3 (15 points).
Capitals vs. Islanders
Tom Wilson (6) opened the scoring for the Capitals, but New York rallied with three consecutive goals to win.
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau (3) scored a short-handed goal late in the first period.
- Bo Horvat (7) extended the Isles' lead to 2-1.
- Matthew Barzal (3), recently benched by coach Patrick Roy for "personal reasons," scored an empty-net goal to finalize the victory.
"Matthew Barzal, who was benched recently by head coach Patrick Roy for 'personal reasons,' scored the empty-netter to gift the Caps their third loss in the past five games."
New York's win marks their third victory in the last five games, further pressuring the Capitals.
Author's Summary
Colorado Avalanche claim first place in the West with strong performances from Necas and teammates, while the Islanders capitalize on a Capitals stumble led by Barzal's empty-net goal.