Avalanche Crush Flames, Inch Closer to Division and Conference Titles

Nazem Kadri, fourth line lead Colorado's dominant 9-2 victory over Calgary

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18am

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A vibrant, energetic painting in the style of LeRoy Neiman, featuring explosive brushstrokes and neon colors that capture the raw intensity of a hockey game, with players' movements and the puck blending together in a dynamic, abstract composition.The Colorado Avalanche's relentless offensive onslaught overwhelms the Calgary Flames, showcasing the team's depth and power-play prowess.Denver Today

The Colorado Avalanche delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Calgary Flames 9-2 at Ball Arena. Nazem Kadri scored two goals against his former team, while Parker Kelly and Jack Drury each had three-point nights. The Avalanche's power play was ruthless, and their depth players were relentless, leading to a lopsided victory that brings them closer to securing the Central Division and Western Conference titles.

Why it matters

This win puts the Avalanche in a strong position to clinch the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference, as their magic number is down to just 8 points. The team's offensive firepower and depth have been on full display, showcasing their potential to make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Avalanche jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period, outshooting the Flames 26-0 at one point. Kadri scored two power-play goals, while Jack Drury, Gabe Landeskog, and Parker Kelly also found the back of the net. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas added goals in the second and third periods, respectively. Cale Makar left the game in the third period due to an upper-body injury, but the Avalanche continued to dominate without him.

  • The Avalanche jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period.
  • Nazem Kadri scored two power-play goals in the first period.
  • Nathan MacKinnon scored a power-play goal late in the second period.
  • Martin Necas scored a goal in the third period.
  • Cale Makar left the game in the third period due to an upper-body injury.

The players

Nazem Kadri

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored two goals against his former team, the Calgary Flames.

Cale Makar

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who had three assists before leaving the game in the third period due to an upper-body injury.

Parker Kelly

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who had a three-point night, including a goal.

Jack Drury

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who had a three-point night, including a goal.

Scott Wedgewood

The goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who made 27 saves in the victory.

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What’s next

The Avalanche's magic number to win the Central Division and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference is down to 8 points, either gained by the Avs in their final 9 contests or lost by the Dallas Stars in their last 8 games.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's dominant performance, led by their depth players and power play, has put them in a strong position to secure the Central Division and Western Conference titles. However, the potential loss of Cale Makar to injury is a concern, as he is a key part of their success.