Starting off on the right foot.
The Colorado Avalanche kicked off their preseason schedule with a split-squad doubleheader against the Utah Mammoth on Sunday, staged simultaneously at Magness Arena and Ball Arena. Travel delays forced Utah into a rushed arrival, and Colorado wasted no time capitalizing, securing the sweep.
Game One – Magness Arena
For the first time in four years, captain Gabriel Landeskog was in the lineup to start preseason, joined by stalwarts Valeri Nichushkin and Cale Makar. Colorado looked poised to dictate play, but it was Utah that struck first. Michael Carcone converted on a power play after Christian Humphreys was called for interference — one of several avoidable penalties that have plagued the Avalanche since rookie camp. It was a slow first period for the Avalanche but that didn’t last long.
Colorado regrouped quickly. In a span of just 1:44 in the second period, the Avalanche erupted for three goals. Rookie forward Gavin Brindley scored twice, displaying the offensive instincts that have made him a training-camp standout. Danil Gushchin added a third, with Makar orchestrating the surge from the blue line.
Mile High Hockey has noted in recent days that Gushchin possesses a sneaky shot and that was on full display when he accepted a pass from Makar and immediately ripped it into the net.
Colorado’s defense was outstanding in the same period, as they limited Utah to four shots on the goal. in the second frame, could not establish momentum. Tristen Nielsen, another camp standout, extended the lead on a breakaway to make it 4–1.
The third period brought drama when Makar absorbed a high elbow from Mammoth minor leaguer Samuel Lipkin. Though Makar briefly returned before heading to the locker room, the company line is that it was just a precaution. Landeskog made sure Lipkin’s infraction did not go unanswered, dropping the gloves in a one-sided fight. The fans roared in approval as they got a taste of vintage Landeskog, a player unwilling to put up with any nonsense or misbehavior from the other team. The Avs took that and used as motiation, punctuated by Nielsen scouring of the night to seal a 5–1 Avalanche victory.
Game Two – Ball Arena
Utah pressed harder in the nightcap, but Colorado’s top forwards ultimately decided the contest. Martin Nečas, continuing a standout training camp, created the opening breakthrough when his rush produced a rebound that Artturi Lehkonen punched in for a 1–0 Avalanche lead.
Yet discipline again undermined Colorado. The Mammoth tied it up through the second period when Daniil But slipped a power-play shot past goaltender Trent Miner, who was otherwise perfect stopping 19/20 shots. The Avalanche’s response was immediate. Fresh off a penalty kill, Nečas intercepted a neutral-zone pass and converted on a breakaway to give Colorado a 2-1 lead.
The final frame belonged to Colorado’s defensive structure. Miner ceded the crease to Kyle Keyser, who held firm as the Avalanche preserved their advantage. Tempers ignited late when Zakhar Bardakov was whistled for boarding Utah star Logan Cooley. Lawson Crouse enforced retribution with a decisive fight, and when Matt Stienburg stepped in, Crouse dispatched him as well. The sequence underscored Colorado’s toughness. It doesn’t matter if we’re outsized or undersized, you’re going to be in a real fight.
Brock Nelson, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract in the offseason with the Avalanche, deflected Necas’ slap shot from the point with 5:15 remaining in regulation to give Colorado a 3-2 lead. And that effectively ended the game and Utah’s night.
Colorado Completes the Sweep
With victories of 5–1 and 3–2, the Avalanche completed the sweep of Utah. Among the standouts, Gavin Brindley was quite impressive in the first contest. Quiet for much of training camp, he seemed to save his best for the stage, striking twice with a poise that belied his age. Tristen Nielsen, steady and diligent throughout camp, continued to carve out a reputation as one of Colorado’s most underrated contributors. In the second match, Martin Nečas, meanwhile, looked both sharp and assured, his confidence evident in every shift. And then there was Gabriel Landeskog — vintage in his resolve — standing up for a teammate and reminding everyone what leadership looks like.
The Colorado Avalanche appear more than ready for the season ahead.
Category: General Sports
