Recap: Avalanche bring the thunder in 6-3 defeat of Lightning

As the Colorado Avalanche returned home in search of a win, they hosted the always formidable opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was the hosts who got the scoring started early and often in a 6-3 Avalanche win.

The Game

Opening the game the Lightning had a few dangerous shots in the Avalanche zone but it was the home team who got on the board first. On their first shot on goal, Devon Toews converted for Colorado on a back door feed from Martin Nečas. Jaden Schwartz appeared to get Colorado’s second goal on a deflected rebound he apparently kicked in but it was waived off. Not to worry, the Avalanche got it back minutes later on the power play. TJ Hughes found Nazem Kadri in the slot for the 2-0 lead, and that’s how the first period would end.

That score didn’t last long after the puck dropped on the second period as Fedor Svechkov finished off a rush chance just 24 seconds in to give Colorado a three goal lead. Near the halfway mark of the period, the Lightning finally answered back on a power play goal from Jake Guentzel who found the puck on the backdoor after it bounced off of Brock Nelson. Soon after, Artturi Lehkonen got in on the fun and restored the three goal lead once again. By this point Colorado got into a bit of penalty trouble and Jake Guentzel scored right as the power play expired. Jared Bednar challenged for a high stick but lost and the goal stood as did the 4-2 score at the end of 40 minutes of play.

To start the third period Nathan MacKinnon got his moment to celebrate as his goal put Colorado up 5-2. The Lightning tried to make it interesting on a goal from former Colorado Eagles and Utah Grizzlies defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous who was found uncovered in the slot but shortly after Martin Nečas scored into the empty net to get Colorado back on top 6-3. Despite getting outshot 34-24, it was a good bounce back win for the Avalanche who enjoyed the comforts of home to come out on top.

Takeaways

Logan O’Connor entered the lineup and played in first game of the 2026-27 season and played just under 15 minutes. He brought the physicality while getting his game up to speed. Taylor Makar also made his sesson debut for the Avalanche after getting called up this morning. He played eight minutes and took a minor penalty, one of which gave the Lightning five power plays this evening.

While it seemed the top line would take charge on leading in this game, especially after crafting the game’s opening score, but it was the third line of Svechkov, Schwartz and Hughes who left an impression in this much-needed win. They contributed to the goals which broke the game open and have settled in together as a line.

Upcoming

A quick trip to meet with Chris MacFarland’s new-look Nashville Predators on Sunday, October 25th. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. MT.