Avalanche Stage Third-Period Rally in Season Finale to Defeat Ducks
The Colorado Avalanche closed their 2024-25 regular season with a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over the Anaheim Ducks, scoring four unanswered goals in the final 9:07 of play. Resting their top seven scorers, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Colorado’s depth players delivered an improbable rally at Honda Center.
Game Breakdown
Anaheim took control early with Mason McTavish’s first-period goal (his 22nd of the season) and Sam Colangelo’s second-period tally, capitalizing on defensive breakdowns. The Ducks maintained their 2-0 lead until late in the third, but Wyatt Aamodt’s first NHL goal—a deflection off Pavel Mintyukov’s skate—sparked Colorado’s resurgence at 10:05.
Key Contributions
Charlie Coyle (1 goal, 2 assists) extended his point streak to six games (10 points) and netted the game-winner at 17:51 off Jimmy Vesey’s setup.
Jack Drury tied the game on a power-play deflection of Sam Malinski’s shot, adding an assist while logging a career-high 19:32 of ice time.
Sam Malinski anchored the defense with a career-best 25:15 minutes, assisting on Drury’s goal and driving possession.
Scott Wedgewood secured his eighth win in nine appearances (18 saves), finishing 13-4-1 since joining Colorado in November.
Erik Johnson sealed the win with an empty-netter, his first regular-season goal in nearly three years.
Strategic Implications
The Avalanche (49-29-4) clinched third place in the Central Division, setting up a first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Despite relinquishing home-ice advantage possibilities by resting stars, the comeback highlighted their organizational depth and resilience.
Ducks’ Perspective
Anaheim (35-37-8) ended their season with consecutive losses, failing to capitalize on early momentum. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves, but defensive lapses and Colorado’s third-period surge proved insurmountable.
Colorado now shifts focus to playoff preparations, with practice resuming Tuesday ahead of their postseason opener.
