NHL roundup: Avalanche claim top spot in Western Conference, Gibson reunites with Ducks
The NHL featured three games on Friday, all wrapping up in regulation. Anaheim fans witnessed a familiar face return, as their longtime goaltender John Gibson made a reunion appearance.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Martin Necas made a stellar debut after signing his eight-year extension with Colorado on Thursday. He tallied a goal and two assists, opening the scoring just 41 seconds into the game.
Brock Nelson extended the Avalanche lead to 2–0 in the second period before Tomas Hertl answered for Vegas with a power-play goal. Brent Burns netted his first of the season, assisted by Necas, restoring the Avs’ two-goal edge at 3–1.
Vegas’ Mitch Marner responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 3–2 late in the third. Necas added another assist when Cale Makar scored into an empty net, sealing Colorado’s 4–2 win.
With the victory, Colorado improved to a 7–1–4 record (18 points) and climbed to the top of the Western Conference standings. Vegas dropped to 6–2–3 (15 points).
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
Tom Wilson opened the scoring for Washington, but New York rallied with three unanswered goals to secure the win. Jean-Gabriel Pageau tied it with a short-handed goal before the first intermission, followed by Bo Horvat putting the Islanders ahead 2–1.
“Personal reasons,” said head coach Patrick Roy when asked earlier this week about benching Matthew Barzal, who later sealed the game with an empty-netter.
The Capitals suffered their third defeat in five games, while the Islanders extended their momentum under Roy’s leadership.
Author’s Summary
Colorado reached the Western Conference summit after Necas’ standout performance, while the Islanders found spark against the Capitals with Roy’s reshaped lineup.
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