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Avalanche strike early, Nichushkin and Nečas score

sportsApr 7, 2026762

Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Nečas scored early to give the Colorado Avalanche a 2-0 lead over the St. Louis Blues late in the first period. Nichushkin opened the scoring on a Devon Toews wrister that he redirected, with assists to Toews and Sam Malinski. Nečas ripped home his 37th of the season on a feed from Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen with 29 seconds left in the period. Colorado dominated possession and shots, leading 17-3 after one, and will start the second on the penalty kill after a late Toews tripping penalty.

Key Highlights

Valeri Nichushkin tipped Devon Toews' shot for the opening goal.
Martin Nečas scored his 37th of the season late in the first period.
Avalanche led 17-3 in shots and held a 2-0 lead after one.