Nathan MacKinnon had a pair of goals, linemate Martin Nečas tallied a pair of assists, and defenseman Cale Makar had one of each as an early morning, Monday wake-up call proved no problem for the Colorado Avalanche in their 3–1 victory over the Sabres in Buffalo.

View from the Mountaintop

Martin Nečas continues to raise his value with his assists on Nathan MacKinnon’s goals on Monday. Nečas, who will be a free agent after the season unless the Avalanche agree to an extension with him, has produced at a two points-per-game pace, and shows no sign of slowing down; seeing the ice in ways that previous linemates of MacKinnon’s have not. On the Avalanche’s opening tally, Nečas set MacKinnon up for a spinning shot in the middle of the slot that the former Hart Trophy winner buried. MacKinnon’s second goal came off of a perfect drop-pass to allow for a screen on goaltender Alex Lyon. MacKinnon almost notched the hat trick in the third, but that goal was called back after he was offside when entering the zone.

The Avalanche power-play struggled; finishing with no goals in four chances on the man-advantage. The Avalanche have now converted only three times in 19 attempts (15.8%) on the power play. While the Avs have been passing better, and shooting more on the power play, but fans may have to remain patient and hope the floodgates will open in time.

Following the win in Buffalo, the Avalanche have earned seven of a possible eight points on the new season – each of those games with their backup goalie, Scott Wedgewood, in net. MacKinnon and Nečas have 16 points in four games so far, as that top line continues its hot start.

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The Avalanche will have two days off before heading to Columbus and taking on the Blue Jackets on Thursday at 5 p.m.

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Originally published on Hockey Mountain High, part of the Mile High Sports family of networks.