Cale Makar’s two goals powered the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, overcoming an early deficit. Martin Necas contributed with two assists, bringing his point total to six (3 goals and 3 assists) in the three games following the Olympic break. Gavin Brindley scored the game-winning goal for Colorado at 47:31. Connor Bedard scored the lone goal for Chicago.
Blackwood was crucial in keeping his team in the game, particularly during the second period where he stopped all 16 shots faced. He made two key saves against Morgan Geekie and denied a breakaway attempt by Sean Kuraly. Early in the third period, a Chicago goal was disallowed due to an offside call after a coach’s challenge.
The scoring began later in the third period. Travis Konecny opened the scoring at 43:44, followed shortly by a goal from Jamie Drysdale. Charlie McAvoy then scored for Boston, leveling the score with a shot that slipped past Vladař. Zacha earned an assist on a faceoff win. Sean Couturier sealed the win with an empty-net goal while Boston risked pulling their goalie.
David Pastrňák was held scoreless for Boston, with Vladař saving both of his shots. The Czech forward was on the ice for two goals against.
| NHL: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus – NY Islanders 3:4 v prodl. | |||
| Colorado – Chicago 3:1 | |||
| NY Rangers – Pittsburgh 3:2 po sam. Nájezdech | |||
| Philadelphia – Boston 3:1 | |||
| St. Louis – New Jersey 1:3 | |||
| San Jose – Edmonton 5:4 | |||
| Tampa Bay – Buffalo 2:6 | |||
| Carolina – Detroit 5:2 | |||
| Toronto – Ottawa 2:5 | |||
| Montreal – Washington 6:2 | |||
| Los Angeles – Calgary 2:0 | |||
| Dallas – Nashville 3:2 v prodl. | |||
| Seattle – Vancouver 5:1 | |||
The Colorado Avalanche rallied to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. This win comes as teams return to play following the Olympic break, and highlights the importance of resilience in maintaining competitive form.
Cale Makar led the Avalanche with two goals, while Gavin Brindley scored the decisive goal at 47:31 of the game. Martin Necas contributed two assists, extending his impressive post-Olympic performance to six points (three goals and three assists) in just three games.
Chicago initially took the lead with a power-play goal from Connor Bedard at 6:31 of the first period. However, Colorado responded, tying the game late in the second period with a wrist shot from Makar.
Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a strong performance, stopping 14 of 15 shots. He was particularly effective in the second period, saving all 16 shots he faced, including denying breakaways from Sean Kuraly and multiple attempts from Morgan Geekie. A Chicago goal early in the third period was overturned after a coach’s challenge revealed an offside position.
The Avalanche secured their victory with a goal from Brindley, capitalizing on a rebound at 7:31 of the third period. Makar then added an empty-net goal with 2:05 remaining to seal the 3-1 win.
The Blackhawks, despite a strong effort from Spencer Knight who made 32 saves, continue to struggle offensively, averaging just 1.5 goals in their last eight losses. Chicago coach Jeff Blashill noted the team’s missed opportunities, stating, “We require more depth scoring, for sure…we just didn’t handle the puck great.”
Elsewhere in the NHL on February 28, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the New York Islanders 3-4 in overtime, the New York Rangers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a shootout, the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Boston Bruins 3-1, the St. Louis Blues fell to the New Jersey Devils 1-3, the San Jose Sharks won against the Edmonton Oilers 5-4, the Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Buffalo Sabres 2-6, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-2, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Ottawa Senators 2-5, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Washington Capitals 6-2, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Calgary Flames 2-0, the Dallas Stars won against the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime, and the Seattle Kraken triumphed over the Vancouver Canucks 5-1.
