Martin Necas had three assists, and Artturi Lehkonen, Casey Mittelstadt and Logan O'Connor scored for the Avalanche (34-24-2), who had lost two straight since returning from the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Cale Makar had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 22 saves.

Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists as the Colorado Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 5-1 in Denver on Wednesday night.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, left, is congratulated after scoring a goal by left wing Artturi Lehkonen, back right, and center Martin Necas in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) AP

The puck drops between the Avs and Devils at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. TV coverage begins at 7 p.m. on KTVD.

Regardless of Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar's decision Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils were going to see a familiar face in the opposing net.

Mackenzie Blackwood's 22 saves led the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils, regaining momentum. Nathan MacKinnon scored twi

The Avalanche are preparing to welcome Valeri Nichushkin back into their lineup for the first time since late December.

Nathan MacKinnon had two power-play goals and an added, Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 22 shots against his former team and the Colorado Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Wednesday night.