By The Associated Press’s Michael Kelly
DENVER (AP) Nathan MacKinnon scored to increase his NHL points lead, Mackenzie Blackwood had 24 saves for his second consecutive shutout, and the Colorado Avalanche defeated Philadelphia 2-0 on Sunday, ending the Flyers’ winless skid at little over three games.
Since Scott Laughton’s empty-netter against New Jersey on Monday night, Philadelphia has failed to score and has been shut out for three consecutive games. The Flyers have failed to score in 180 minutes and 15 seconds.
MacKinnon has three more points than Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, with 20 goals and a league-high 60 assists. Sam Girard scored as well.
Blackwood recorded his third consecutive shutout in his career. He has 13 total shutouts, including three this season.
Halfway through the second period, Girard opened the scoring with his third of the year. With 2:32 remaining in the period, McKinnon scored on the game’s first power play.
Takeaways
Flyers: Philadelphia’s defense was strong. For the first 12:39, the Flyers held Colorado without a shot thanks to 30 stops from Samuel Ersson.
Avalanche: After going 3 of 41 in the previous 16 games, the power play delivered, scoring for the third time in the last two games.
Key moment
On an odd-man rush, the Flyers had a fantastic scoring opportunity, but Laughton’s shot missed the post and started a Colorado rush that concluded with Girard’s goal.
Key stat
Two assists were provided by Jonathan Drouin. Since coming back from the disabled list on December 31, he has scored multiple points in seven games.
Up next
On Tuesday night, both clubs will play. The Flyers visit Utah to finish their two-game trip. Vancouver is where the Avalanche are.
https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL is the AP NHL.
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