Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson delivered one of the most complete performances in recent NHL memory Thursday night, recording two goals, two assists, and a fight in an 8-2 rout of the Ottawa Senators—all with his father, former NHL defenseman Dave Manson, watching from the stands.
The Manson Family Legacy Moment
What makes Manson’s performance particularly historic is the family connection. His father, Dave Manson, also achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick during his 16-season NHL career. This marks one of the rare instances in league history where both father and son have accomplished this feat, which requires a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.
“He’s seen me fight. He’s seen me score, but I don’t think he’s ever seen well, actually, nobody’s ever seen that before from me in the NHL,” Manson acknowledged after the game. The defenseman’s candid reaction underscores how exceptional this performance was, even for a veteran player known primarily for his defensive physicality.
Breaking Down the Historic Performance
Manson’s night followed a perfect script for hockey traditionalists:
- First Period Fight: Manson engaged Ottawa defenseman Tyler Kleven after Kleven delivered a clean hit on Manson’s teammate Ivan Ivan. The fight wasn’t about retaliation but rather “a good time for our team,” as Manson explained, acknowledging that Kleven “obliged” when Manson presented the opportunity.
- Immediate Goal: Shortly after exiting the penalty box, Manson scored the first goal of the contest, immediately converting his physical energy into offensive production.
- Second Period Mastery: Manson added an assist on Cale Makar’s goal to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick early in the second period, then continued his offensive outburst with another goal and assist.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar summarized the performance perfectly: “Wow, that was something. I mean, he had a Gordie Howe hat trick early in the second period and then he just kept coming. He was involved in everything tonight.”
Context: Manson’s Career Transformation
This performance represents a significant departure from Manson’s established identity in the league. Known primarily as a defensive defenseman throughout his career, Manson had never recorded a two-goal game in the NHL prior to Thursday night. His career-high in points for a season is 17, making this four-point outburst particularly remarkable.
The timing was also crucial for the Avalanche, who had entered the game on a two-game losing streak. Manson’s early fight and subsequent goal provided the spark his team needed, as Colorado exploded for six goals in the second period alone—tying a franchise record.
The Turning Point That Wasn’t
The game featured a critical momentum shift that showcased Colorado’s strategic awareness. When Ottawa appeared to score to make it 3-1, the Avalanche successfully challenged for offside, negating the goal. From that point forward, Colorado scored five consecutive goals, completely changing the complexion of the game.
This sequence demonstrated the Avalanche’s championship pedigree and attention to detail, elements that have contributed to their perfect 18-0-2 record at home this season, as documented in the official NHL standings.
What This Means for Colorado’s Championship Aspirations
Manson’s performance underscores the depth that makes Colorado a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. While stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar typically drive the offense, having a defensive specialist like Manson contribute offensively creates matchup nightmares for opponents.
The Avalanche’s ability to get scoring from unexpected sources—coupled with their dominant home record—positions them as one of the most complete teams in the league. As the game recap confirms, Colorado’s second-period explosion demonstrated their ability to capitalize on momentum swings like elite championship teams.
The Unfinished Business
In a humorous post-game moment, Manson acknowledged he was “a fight away from a double Gordie Howe hat trick. Or a goal away from his first regular hat trick.” His reflection on the unpredictability of hockey—”Some nights you feel great and you’re minus-three, and some nights you just feel OK things are going in for you”—captures why performances like Thursday’s are so special.
For the Manson family, it was a night that connected generations of hockey excellence. For the Avalanche, it was a statement victory that reinforced their status as championship contenders. And for hockey purists, it was a reminder of why the Gordie Howe hat trick remains one of the sport’s most celebrated individual accomplishments.
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