In a stunning display of all-around hockey, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson recorded two goals, two assists, and a first-period fight to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick, spearheading an 8-2 demolition of the Ottawa Senators and extending the Avs’ perfect home record to 18-0-2.
The Colorado Avalanche unleashed an offensive onslaught for the ages Thursday night at Ball Arena, tying a franchise record with six goals in the second period on their way to an 8-2 victory over the weary Ottawa Senators. The story of the night, however, was the unprecedented all-around performance from stay-at-home defenseman Josh Manson, who authored a career-defining game with a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) plus an additional goal and assist.
The Manson Masterclass: From the Penalty Box to the Scoresheet
Manson’s legendary night began in the trenches. Just over five minutes into the first period, he dropped the gloves with Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven. After serving his five-minute major, Manson stepped out of the penalty box and immediately transitioned from enforcer to scorer, netting the game’s first goal and setting the stage for a historic performance.
This was not just any multi-point game for the 34-year-old blueliner. The two goals marked the first multi-goal game of his NHL career, a remarkable feat for a player known primarily for his defensive physicality. His second-period assist on Cale Makar’s goal officially completed the Gordie Howe hat trick, cementing his place in a rare club of players who have achieved the feat.
An Avalanche of Goals: Tying a Franchise Record
While Manson was the headline, the entire Avalanche offense erupted in a second period that will be remembered in franchise history. The six-goal outburst tied a team record last achieved on November 7, 2019, against the Nashville Predators, as confirmed by the Associated Press game report.
The goal scorers highlighted the team’s incredible depth:
- Brock Nelson (2 goals)
- Nathan MacKinnon (1 goal, 3 assists)
- Cale Makar (1 goal)
- Martin Necas (1 goal)
- Brent Burns (1 goal)
The period was so devastating that Ottawa coach Jacques Martin was forced to pull starting goaltender Leevi Meriläinen after he surrendered his third goal. Backup Mads Søgaard fared no better, allowing five goals before Meriläinen was mercifully returned to the net for the third period.
MacKinnon’s March Toward History
Amid the team-wide explosion, Nathan MacKinnon quietly continued his assault on the Avalanche record books. His four-point night (1 goal, 3 assists) was the 312th multi-point game of his career. He now sits just one game behind Peter Stastny (313) for second place in franchise history, with the legendary Joe Sakic (473) holding the top spot, a fact documented in the official AP NHL hub.
MacKinnon’s relentless production is a primary driver behind Colorado’s otherworldly home record. The victory improved the Avalanche to a perfect 18-0-2 at Ball Arena this season, making it the most formidable fortress in the NHL.
Context and Implications: A Statement Win
This victory was a critical bounce-back performance for the Avalanche, who snapped a two-game losing skid. For goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who made 29 saves, it was a confidence-boosting performance after recent struggles.
For the Senators, the game was a brutal conclusion to a back-to-back road trip that began with a 3-1 loss in Utah the night before. The team showed clear signs of fatigue, which culminated in a chippy third period that saw Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig receive misconduct penalties. Shane Pinto and Brady Tkachuk managed to score for Ottawa, but it was mere consolation in a lopsided affair.
A pivotal moment that swung the game’s momentum irreversibly came in the second period. Ottawa thought they had cut the deficit to one goal, but a successful Avalanche challenge for offside nullified the score, keeping the Senators at bay and fueling Colorado’s ensuing offensive barrage.
Looking Ahead
The Senators will look to regroup as they return home to host the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. The Avalanche, meanwhile, will continue their seven-game homestand by facing the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, aiming to extend their remarkable home-ice dominance.
Josh Manson’s performance transcends a single-game box score. It symbolizes the Avalanche’s identity: a team with elite skill that is unafraid to play a heavy, punishing style. When a defensive stalwart can erupt for a Gordie Howe hat trick and a career-high four points, it sends a clear message to the rest of the league about Colorado’s championship-caliber depth.
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