Artturi Lehkonen clinched victory for the Colorado Avalanche with just half a second left in overtime, securing their sixth consecutive win with a 3-2 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
Nathan MacKinnon set up Lehkonen’s game-winner with a precise pass, extending his own points streak to 15 games in the process.
Sean Walker provided both regulation goals for the Avalanche, while goaltender Alexandar Georgiev stood tall with 32 saves.
“It was a collective effort,” remarked Walker. “As we approach the playoffs, every game becomes crucial, and tonight was no exception.”
For the Oilers, Warren Foegele and Sam Carrick found the net, with goaltender Stuart Skinner making 40 saves in a losing effort. Despite the defeat, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid saw his 26-game home points streak come to an end as he was held without a point.
“It was a hard-fought game,” Skinner reflected. “Losing in the final moments is tough, but that’s the nature of hockey.”
The Avalanche gained momentum in the second period when Walker capitalized on a turnover to open the scoring. Although the Oilers appeared to tie the game early in the third, a video review ruled out the goal due to illegal play.
Edmonton eventually drew level through Foegele before Carrick put them ahead in the third period. However, Colorado fought back, with Walker notching his second goal of the night to force overtime.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised the competitive spirit of both teams, highlighting the significance of earning points during a demanding road trip.
In a welcome development for Colorado, Zach Parise, Lehkonen, and Jonathan Drouin all returned to action after brief absences due to injury and illness.
MacKinnon’s impressive points streak further solidified his place among NHL elite, joining a select group of players with multiple lengthy streaks in a single season.
