New Jersey took command of its October 20, 2026 NHL meeting with Colorado at home, carrying a 3-1 lead into the final period on the strength of relentless offensive pressure.
The Devils outshot the Avalanche 32-13 across the first 40 minutes, keeping goaltender Scott Wedgewood busy while Colorado struggled to create chances.
New Jersey came in at 4-4-0, while Colorado arrived at 5-3-1 and was playing the second leg of a back-to-back road set after falling to Philadelphia the night before.
Early Lead, Quick Answer, and a Deflected Go-Ahead Goal
Luke Evangelista struck at 6:40 of the opening period after a Nathan MacKinnon defensive error let New Jersey regain possession.
Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog pulled the Avalanche level with 5:28 left in the first, burying his own rebound off a backhand feed from Cale Makar.
The period ended 1-1 even though New Jersey owned a 14-4 shot advantage, and Colorado had to kill a late power play after Artturi Lehkonen was whistled for delay of game with 1:38 remaining.
New Jersey moved back in front with 7:29 to go in the second when Declan Chisholm's point shot deflected off Colorado's Brock Nelson and found the net.
Wedgewood kept facing heavy traffic as the Avalanche generated little offensively, and the Devils stretched their shot edge to 32-13 by the second intermission.
Colorado pressed early in the third, with Martin Necas testing Jake Allen on a backhand before setting up a one-timer that gave MacKinnon a rebound chance, while Makar also tried to force the puck in without success.
Arseny Gritsyuk restored the two-goal cushion, taking the puck from MacKinnon, skating past Necas and moving around Devon Toews before beating Wedgewood on the backhand.
Colorado got a power play with 11:17 left after Evan Rodrigues was called for hooking Landeskog, offering another route back into the game.
The night also brought a milestone for Allen, who reached 500 NHL games, with official coverage showing him receiving gifts from his family in the dressing room and celebrating with his wife and daughters.
