NHL Recap: Colorado Avalanche Secure Hard-Fought 4-2 Win Over Minnesota Wild

The Colorado Avalanche moved into a tie with the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference standings, following a hard-fought 4-2 victory.

The National Hockey League (NHL) featured a limited schedule on Friday night, with just three games taking place. The most highly anticipated matchup of the evening was the Original Six clash between the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden.

Maple Leafs Edge Rangers 3-2 in Thrilling Original Six Clash

The Toronto Maple Leafs edged the New York Rangers 3-2 in a closely contested matchup at Madison Square Garden. The visitors ultimately emerged victorious, thanks in large part to their ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson opened the scoring with a power-play goal, but the Rangers quickly responded through Mika Zibanejad. Having been sent to the penalty box earlier in the period, Zibanejad made amends by scoring the equalizing goal, tying the game at 1-1.

LEAFS WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWIN!@LGCanada | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/vP2btYgeN5

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 1, 2025

The Maple Leafs regained the lead early in the second period, courtesy of William Nylander's goal. Although the Rangers outshot the Leafs 14-12 in the frame, they were unable to find the back of the net, leaving Toronto with a 2-1 advantage.

The Rangers refused to give up, however, and Will Cuylle's shorthanded goal 3:47 into the third period tied the game once more. Unfortunately for the home team, their joy was short-lived, as Matthew Knies scored the game-winning goal with 13:39 remaining to seal the 3-2 victory for the Maple Leafs.

The win propelled Toronto into second place in the standings with 76 points, leapfrogging the Florida Panthers. Having won their last four games, the Leafs are now well-positioned to secure a playoff berth. In contrast, the Rangers remain in 10th place, four points adrift of a playoff spot.

Stars Shine Bright in 6-2 Rout of Kings

The Dallas Stars produced a dominant performance, scoring six goals to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 6-2 at home.

Big night back in our favorite place 🏡@Lexus | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/GP45z9Eedp

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 1, 2025

Jason Robertson got the Stars off to a flying start, scoring just 4:21 into the game. However, the Kings quickly responded through Warren Foegele, who tied the game up two minutes later. Despite this, the Stars regained the lead by the first intermission, courtesy of goals from Matt Duchene and Logan Stankoven, which gave them a 3-1 advantage.

The Stars continued to pull away in the second period, with Wyatt Johnson scoring on the power play to make it 4-1. Although Trevor Moore got one back for the Kings midway through the frame, the Stars remained in control.

The Stars sealed the win with two goals in the final frame, as Stankoven scored his second of the game, followed by a shorthanded goal from Sam Steel, which completed the scoring.

The victory propelled the Stars into sole possession of second spot in the Western Conference, having won four of their last five games. In contrast, the Kings have suffered back-to-back losses and sit seventh in the standings.

Avalanche Surge Past Wild with Second-Period Flurry

The Colorado Avalanche secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, thanks in large part to a second-period surge that saw them score three goals.

We found where the wild things are. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/a0zM6v6Dtj

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 1, 2025

Mats Zuccarello gave the Wild an early lead, scoring just 4:14 into the game. The visitors maintained their advantage for nearly nine minutes, until Valeri Nichushkin leveled the score on a power play. However, the Wild quickly regained the lead through Vinnie Hinostroza, who also scored on a power play.

The tide of the game turned in the second period, as the Avalanche scored three goals to take control. Jonathan Drouin and Jack Drury scored just a minute apart, overturning the deficit and putting Colorado in front. Ross Colton then added a third goal with 5:21 remaining in the period, extending the Avalanche's lead to 4-2.

Despite a late push, the Wild were unable to get back into the game. In fact, Colton sealed the win for the Avalanche with an empty-net goal with just eight seconds remaining.

The victory moved the Avalanche into a tie with the Wild on 72 points in the Western Conference standings. While Minnesota still holds onto fifth place, Colorado has now won two games in a row. In contrast, the Wild have suffered three consecutive defeats.