First Period — 1: Colorado, Brock Nelson (10) wrist shot, assisted by Nathan MacKinnon (25) and Cale Makar (26), 19:08, 2: Philadelphia, Sean Couturier (5) tip-in, assisted by Noah Juulsen (3) and Owen Tippett (10), 2:09, 3: Colorado, Brent Burns (4) wrist shot, assisted by Martin Necas (25) and Jack Drury (6), 8:28. Penalties — PHI: Noah Juulsen, tripping against Parker Kelly, 17:25.

Second Period — 4: Philadelphia, Travis Konecny (7) wrist shot, assisted by Emil Andrae (6) and Christian Dvorak (11), 5:58, 5: Colorado, Valeri Nichushkin (7) wrist shot, assisted by Victor Olofsson (12) and Devon Toews (9), 1:47. Penalties — PHI: Trevor Zegras, slashing against Valeri Nichushkin, 13:45. COL: Martin Necas, slashing against Garnet Hathaway, 19:52.

Third Period — None. Penalties — COL: Nathan MacKinnon PS, holding on breakaway against Trevor Zegras, 4:54.

Shots On Goal — Colorado 28. Philadelphia 26.
Goalies — Colorado, MacKenzie Blackwood (W) 26 shots-24 saves. Philadelphia, Samuel Ersson (L) 28 shots-25 saves. 
Attendance: 18,606. 

PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The Colorado Avalanche built an early lead and held on to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Sunday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Colorado scored twice in the first period on goals from Brent Burns and Brock Nelson. Valeri Nichushkin added a second-period goal, which proved decisive after Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny scored later in the frame. The Flyers’ Sean Couturier had opened their scoring in the first. Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood made 24 saves on 26 shots to secure the win before an announced crowd of 18,606. The victory improved Colorado’s record to 21-8, while Philadelphia fell to 15-12.

Avalanche, Flyers Set for High-Stakes Clash in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The surging Colorado Avalanche, led by a red-hot Nathan MacKinnon, visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday in a cross-conference NHL matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Avalanche (20-8-0) enter riding a wave of momentum, having won eight of their last nine games. They are coming off a 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon, powered by a two-goal performance from MacKinnon. The star center has been on a tear, recording 11 goals and six assists over his last 11 contests. Colorado’s offense has been potent, averaging over four goals per game during this successful stretch. Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood, who made 24 saves in the win over the Rangers, is expected to start again. The Flyers (15-11-0) look to build on a 5-2 home win over Buffalo last Wednesday. Forward Noah Cates was instrumental in that victory, notching a goal, an assist and a game-high five shots on goal. Philadelphia has shown resilience at home this season, but consistency has been elusive, as evidenced by a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh in their following game. Philadelphia will need a disciplined defensive effort to contain Colorado’s top-ranked attack. The Flyers have relied on a balanced scoring approach and physical play, with Cates embodying that style with 13 hits over his last six games. This game concludes a brief two-game homestand for the Flyers before a lengthy road trip. The Avalanche are in the midst of a challenging segment of their schedule, playing their second game in as many nights. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of Colorado 5, Philadelphia 4. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The Avalanche continue their road trip Tuesday in Nashville, while the Flyers host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.