NHL roundup: Avalanche claim top spot in Western Conference, Gibson has Ducks reunion

The NHL featured a straightforward three-game Friday schedule without shutouts or overtime, but Anaheim fans enjoyed a homecoming with their former longtime goaltender.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Colorado’s Martin Necas scored once and added two assists in his first match since signing an eight-year contract extension with the Avalanche on Thursday. Just 41 seconds into play, he opened the scoring. Later, Brock Nelson made it 2-0 for Colorado before Vegas cut the lead with a power-play goal from Tomas Hertl.

Veteran Brent Burns netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Necas, to make it 3-1. However, Vegas replied quickly when Mitch Marner narrowed the deficit to 3-2 in the third period. Necas grabbed another assist as Cale Makar secured the empty-net goal to seal the 4-2 victory. The win marked Colorado’s second in a row and lifted them to the top of the Western Conference standings with a 7-1-4 record (18 points). Vegas dropped to 6-2-3 (15 points).

New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals

After Tom Wilson opened the scoring for Washington, New York answered with three consecutive goals to take control. Jean-Gabriel Pageau tied the game late in the first period with a short-handed goal, followed by Bo Horvat putting the Islanders ahead.

Matthew Barzal, who had been recently benched by head coach Patrick Roy for “personal reasons,” sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

The result handed Washington its third defeat in the last five outings.

Author’s Summary

Necas led Colorado to the Western Conference lead with a standout three-point night, while the Islanders handed the Capitals another tough loss.

Flashscore.com — 2025-11-01