Nelson scores twice as Islanders defeat Avalanche in Denver

In Denver, on Monday night, the New York Islanders secured a decisive 6-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, marking a significant moment for coach Patrick Roy in his return to the city. Brock Nelson was a standout player, scoring his first two goals of the season within a span of 2:49 during the second period. The Islanders, who had previously suffered a shutout loss to Dallas, quickly turned the game around after trailing 1-0 early on. They scored four consecutive goals to take control of the match. The Avalanche, struggling in their early season with three consecutive losses, saw Calum Ritchie score his first NHL goal, while Casey Mittelstadt added another. However, the team faced challenges, including defensive errors that led to easy scoring opportunities for the Islanders. Alexandar Georgiev, the Avalanche's goaltender, made 32 saves but was unable to prevent the Islanders from capitalizing on mistakes. A key moment in the game occurred when Colorado was on a power play, and a blind pass from defenseman Cale Makar was intercepted by Nelson, resulting in a short-handed goal. This play exemplified the struggles the Avalanche faced throughout the match. The Islanders' victory not only boosted their morale but also marked their first lead after the first period this season. Looking ahead, the Islanders will continue their road trip against St. Louis, while the Avalanche will host Boston, seeking to turn their season around after a rocky start.