The Colorado Avalanche needed a win in the worst way, and it certainly had to overcome plenty to get the first one of the 2024-25 season.
Despite dominating this contest from start to end, the shorthanded Avs had to rally from two goals down and shrug off a tally in the final minute of regulation to defeat the Anaheim Ducks, 4-3, Friday night at Ball Arena.
Nathan MacKinnon scored with 40.1 seconds left in overtime. It was Colorado’s 49th shot of the game, and fifth in extra time.
“It trickled in somehow,” MacKinnon said while sporting an oversized Avs hat that will be the team’s player of the game award this season.