DETROIT (Interstat) — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and added an assist as the Colorado Avalanche dominated the Detroit Red Wings 5-0 on Saturday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena. MacKinnon, the game’s top star, opened the scoring with a wrist shot in the first period and added a second-period slap shot. Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood stopped all 28 shots he faced for the shutout. Brent Burns, Ross Colton and Parker Kelly also scored for the Avalanche, who improved to 36-17. The Red Wings, shut out at home, fell to 32-24. Colorado was a pregame favorite and defied a simulator projection of a Detroit victory. The teams meet again Monday in Denver.

DETROIT (Interstat) — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and added an assist, and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all 28 shots he faced as the Colorado Avalanche delivered a commanding 5-0 shutout victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night. The Avalanche, rebounding emphatically from consecutive road losses, dominated from the opening faceoff, scoring twice in each of the first two periods before adding a final tally in the third. The win improved Colorado’s record to 36-17, while Detroit fell to 32-24. MacKinnon, the game’s first star, opened the scoring at 10:03 of the first period, finishing a play with a wrist shot for his 39th goal of the season, assisted by Artturi Lehkonen. He later notched his 40th on a second-period slap shot, again with a helper from Lehkonen, who finished with two assists. Colorado’s offensive depth was on full display. Veteran defenseman Brent Burns made it 2-0 at the 6:44 mark of the first, converting a setup from MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin. Center Ross Colton extended the lead to 4-0 in the second period, scoring his seventh of the season with assists from Brock Nelson and Josh Manson. Parker Kelly capped the scoring in the third period, burying a backhand for his 12th goal at 21:35, with Joel Kiviranta and Jack Drury earning the assists. The Avalanche’s defense was equally impenetrable. Blackwood, a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was flawless in net, earning his first shutout of the season. He was supported by a structured effort in front of him, with defenseman Sam Malinski recording four hits and two blocked shots. Detroit, which entered the game having earned points in seven of its last ten contests, was stifled throughout. The Red Wings managed 28 shots but could not solve Blackwood, who turned aside quality chances from Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, and Dylan Larkin. Goaltender John Gibson started for Detroit and made 20 saves on 24 shots before being replaced by Cam Talbot to start the third period. Talbot stopped 10 of 11 shots. The game featured six minor penalties, three per side. Colorado’s penalty kill was perfect, negating both Detroit power plays, including a brief 5-on-3 advantage in the second period after coincidental minors to Colorado’s Nelson and Detroit’s J.T. Compher. The result defied the pregame projection from National Statistical’s game simulator, which had predicted a 3-2 Detroit victory. However, the company’s ELO rating system gave Colorado a 61.9% probability to win. The Avalanche covered the spread as a -1.5 road favorite, and the combined five total goals went under the over/under line of 6.5. For MacKinnon, the multi-point afternoon provided a sharp contrast to his recent performances, which included being held without a point in losses at Montreal and Ottawa earlier in the week. The two teams will meet again immediately in a home-and-home rematch, scheduled for Monday afternoon in Denver. Colorado’s next homestand continues Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. Detroit continues its road trip with a visit to the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Preview: Avalanche at Red Wings DETROIT (Interstat) — Two Central Division rivals heading in opposite directions will clash Saturday afternoon when the Detroit Red Wings host the Colorado Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena. The Avalanche (35-16-0), despite owning one of the NHL’s best records, have hit a rare rough patch, losing four of their last five games. They are coming off a 5-2 road loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. Valeri Nichushkin, a key player to watch for Colorado, scored a goal in that defeat and has three points (one goal, two assists) in his last six contests. In contrast, the Red Wings (32-22-0) have found consistent form, securing victories in seven of their last 10 outings. Their momentum was slightly checked in a 3-1 home loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, but Detroit’s offense has been potent. Forward Alex DeBrincat has been a driving force, recording an impressive 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in his last 15 games, including a goal in the loss to Los Angeles. This matchup kicks off a critical home-and-home series between the clubs, who will meet again in Denver on Monday. The Avalanche will look to leverage their high-powered attack, which has been inconsistent lately, against a Red Wings team that has shown resilience, particularly in close games, with three overtime wins in their recent stretch. Colorado’s road record remains strong, but they will need to solve a Detroit team that has been solid at Little Caesars Arena. The goaltending matchup will be pivotal, as both teams seek to tighten up defensively after allowing three or more goals in their most recent losses. For the Avalanche, stabilizing their play and ending their skid is paramount to maintaining their divisional standing. For the Red Wings, continuing their winning ways against a top-tier opponent would provide a significant statement as they push for playoff positioning. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.