DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-2 Wednesday night in their final game before the Olympic break. Josh Manson scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period, securing the win for the NHL-leading Avalanche.
Avalanche Secure Win Before Olympic Pause
Artturi Lehkonen scored twice for Colorado, while Nathan MacKinnon recorded two assists, reaching a significant milestone in his career. MacKinnon is now only the second player in franchise history, alongside Joe Sakic, to achieve 700 assists. Sakic, currently the team president, finished his playing career with 1,016 assists.
Brock Nelson added an empty-net goal, and Valeri Nichushkin contributed with three assists. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 23 shots to help secure the victory. The Sharks attempted a comeback in the third period with goals from Timothy Liljegren and Philippe Kurashev just 2:51 apart, but it wasn’t enough.
Manson’s decisive goal came at 12:44 of the third period, a one-timer that eluded Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. Nelson’s 29th goal of the season, scored with Askarov pulled for an extra attacker at 18:43, sealed the win.
Recent Struggles for Colorado
Despite the win, Colorado has experienced a recent dip in form. After starting the season with only two regulation losses in their first 39 games, the Avalanche went 5-7-2 since January 4th, and saw their lead in the Central Division over Minnesota shrink from 11 points to just five. Colorado currently has 83 points, having played three fewer games than the Wild.
Lehkonen opened the scoring for Colorado early in the second period, with his goal surviving a review. He later added his 19th goal of the season, assisted by MacKinnon on his 700th career assist.
Following the Olympic break, the Sharks will host the Calgary Flames on February 26th, while the Avalanche will face the Minnesota Wild on the same date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Colorado Avalanche 4, San Jose Sharks 2.
Who scored the tiebreaking goal for the Avalanche?
Josh Manson scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period.
When do the Avalanche and Sharks return to action after the Olympic break?
The Sharks host the Calgary Flames on February 26, and the Avalanche host the Minnesota Wild on February 26.
How might the Olympic break impact the momentum of both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season?
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