In a standout performance, Martin Necas celebrated his recent contract extension by scoring a goal and providing two assists, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on November 3, 2023. The Avalanche secured their win at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking an impressive start to the game with Necas finding the net just 41 seconds after the puck dropped.
Necas, who signed an eight-year contract extension worth $92 million the previous day, quickly made his presence felt on the ice. This marked his eighth goal of the season, showcasing his significant impact on the team’s performance. Alongside him, Cale Makar contributed with a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to six games.
The scoring continued for the Avalanche with Brock Nelson and Brent Burns also finding the back of the net. Burns, at 40 years old, achieved a milestone by surpassing Bobby Orr for 11th place among defensemen in career points, now holding 916 points. In goal, Scott Wedgewood made 21 saves, solidifying the Avalanche’s defensive efforts.
The Golden Knights countered with notable performances from Tomas Hertl and Mitch Marner, who each contributed a goal and an assist. Rookie goalie Carl Lindbom faced 26 shots, stopping 22 to keep the game competitive.
Islanders Overcome Capitals in Washington
In another matchup, the New York Islanders secured a 3-1 victory against the Washington Capitals. Bo Horvat scored the decisive goal with 15:31 remaining in the third period, propelling New York to victory. The Capitals, who have now lost three consecutive games, saw Alex Ovechkin remain one goal shy of reaching 900 career goals.
Washington’s Tom Wilson opened the scoring for his team in the second period, but Jean-Gabriel Pageau quickly equalized with a short-handed goal. Horvat’s game-winner came as he capitalized on a 2-on-1 break, assisted by Emil Heineman. Mathew Barzal added an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 3-1.
Ducks Dominate Red Wings in Anaheim
Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 5-2. Troy Terry led the Ducks with two goals and an assist, while Leo Carlsson contributed significantly with a goal and three assists. Mason McTavish and Chris Kreider also joined the scoring effort.
The Ducks took control early, with Terry scoring a short-handed goal just 4:53 into the first period. Kreider’s goal at the start of the third period extended Anaheim’s lead to 4-2. Lukas Dostal made 28 saves for the Ducks, showcasing his defensive skills against the Red Wings’ offensive attempts.
As the NHL season progresses, these games highlight the competitive nature of the league, with players like Necas, Horvat, and Terry making significant contributions to their teams.
