The Avalanche extended their franchise-record point streak of 19 games (17-0-2), and their NHL-leading point total to 42 in 46 games. This is three points more than the Florida Panthers who have a game in hand.
Jared Bednar, Colorado coach, said that Darcy has been improving as the season progresses.
Kuemper has been in all four Avalanche games and scored five goals, with a record of 3-0-1.
In the first period, Nazem Kadri and Landeskog scored. Cole Makar assisted both times.
Nicolas Aubekubel added a goal at 13.50 in the third period. Landeskog scored an unassisted empty net goal with 1:50 left.
Braden Holtby, Dallas’ goalie, stopped 26 shots. The Stars allowed Colorado’s skaters to go in front of the net during the first period. Holtby stopped 26 shots.
At 5:31, Nathan MacKinnon shot was deflected by Landeskog and into the net.
Kadri increased Colorado’s lead to 2 to 1 with his 20th goal of the season. Makar moved from the right faceoff circle towards the front of net for an easy goal. This season, he reached a career-high with 62 points — 10 (four goals and six assists) in six games.
Kadri stated, “It’s there in your back of your head, but it’s nothing I focus too much on.” “I’m in a zone right at the moment. It is important to remain focused and not lose sight of the goal.
With a 13-5 lead in shots on goal in their first period, the Avalanche dominated. The Dallas offense was penalized with seven first-period goals. Kuemper was unable to stop the Stars’ best chance of the period, saving Roope Hintz’s shot in front of the net.
Rick Bowness, Dallas coach, said that the team was treated too well and they didn’t respond. We’re a good hockey team when we’re aggressive, taking their plays and being physical. We’re not a team that’s tip-toeing about and watching their games, but we are.
The second period saw Dallas put more pressure on Colorado, winning 14-7. However, neither team was able to score. Kuemper made 14 saves and four on the Stars power plays in the second. Dallas improved its defense and kept Avalanche skaters out of the area.
Bednar stated that the first period was a great one. “We were really on the attack and on our toes.” They kind of turned it around, flipped it a little in the second, but the third period we did a great deal. We had probably our best defensive period yet in the third period.
“Our penalty kill has been doing a lot here lately. It was making very good reads. It was very aggressive. He said, “We’ll win puck fights and get into shot lanes.”
Colorado was 3-0 ahead thanks to Aube-Kubel, who received the puck on the left-wing boards and skated to the top slot to beat Holtby with a wrist shot.
Joe Pavelski, Stars’ player, said that the second period was “probably our best period of night.” “We were more aggressive, we drew penalties, so we had some power play time. If you get a few looks, it cuts the score in half. That would have been a huge part for us.
NOTES: Colorado’s streak of points began almost two months ago, after a Dec. 16 loss to Nashville by 5-2. … In the Central Division, Minnesota is 11 points ahead of the Avalanche. Kuemper’s shutout was his 22nd career. MacKinnon was unable to play in the All-Star and four other games due to a facial fracture and concussion. MacKinnon stated, “I had surgery two days later, so it was just tired.” “I’ve been getting treatment for my neck.”… Dallas C Luke Glendening participated in his 600th NHL Game. … He has 17 points in 19 career games against Dallas. … Colorado RW Logan O’Connor split 2 defenders to get a shot at his second short-handed goal this season, but missed his chance. O’Connor has also assisted with three short-handed goals. O’Connor has four short-handed assists, which are tied for the NHL lead. … Sunday’s game has been rescheduled for Dec. 29.
UP NEXT
In a postponed game from December 31, the teams will play Tuesday at Colorado. This is the beginning of a three-game trip by Dallas.
