Cale Makar delivers bold statement to Quinn Hughes in Avalanche's dominant victory over the Wild

Colorado did not ease into this one, pushing pace early and forcing Minnesota to defend through layers. Martin Necas opened the scoring late in the first period, finishing a clean sequence that started with structure, not flash.

Mariah E. Stark from The Hockey Writers reports that the Avalanche carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission and looked comfortable doing it. Their neutral zone work was tight, limiting controlled Wild entries and forcing dump ins that never turned dangerous.

The second period tilted the ice. Nathan MacKinnon struck on the power play, his release quick and decisive, then Cale Makar followed minutes later with another man-advantage goal that broke Minnesota's shape.

This was one of those nights where Avalanche fans could relax early, because the details were right and the stars didn't have to cheat to dominate.

Minnesota finally pushed back in the third period when Ryan Hartman cut the lead to 3-1, but the response from Colorado was immediate and professional. Brock Nelson restored the three-goal cushion by getting inside coverage and finishing calmly.

MacKinnon sealed it with an empty-net goal, his second of the night, giving him another multi-point performance in a season already stacked with them. He continues to drive Colorado's offense without forcing plays through traffic.

Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood deserved his share of credit, turning aside 28 shots and controlling rebounds cleanly. The Wild generated volume at times, but very little from the slot once Colorado settled.

The numbers matched the eye test. Colorado went two for three on the power play and killed all three Minnesota chances, a swing that decided the game before the third period even began.

Minnesota entered the night riding a seven-game win streak and had been excellent at home. Colorado snapped both with discipline, patience, and just enough bite to remind the division who sets the standard.