Some of the issues that looked fixed two days ago in a decisive win against the Dallas Stars were again troubling for the Colorado Avalanche in a loss to the Minnesota Wild.

The Colorado Avalanche, perennial Stanley Cup contenders, are at a pivotal juncture in the 2024-25 NHL season. With the recent acquisition of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and ongoing speculation about a potential trade for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones, the Avalanche’s odds of winning the Stanley Cup have improved.

Without Kirill Kaprizov, Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota played a smart, poised and gutsy game, pulling away in the third for a 3-1 victory at Ball Arena.

(AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading 53rd assist ... Parker Kelly and Artturi Lehkonen also scored, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves. Zach Bogosian scored for the second straight game for the Wild. Filip Gustavsson stopped 21 ...

ST PAUL, Minn. — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading 53rd assist of the season to help the Colorado Avalanche rout the Minnesota Wild 6-1 on Thursday night. Mikko Rantanan and Logan O’Connor also each had a goal and an assist, Ross Colton, Parker Kelly and Artturi Lehkonen also scored, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves.

Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading ... Parker Kelly and Artturi Lehkonen also scored, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves. Zach Bogosian scored for the second straight game for ...

and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves. Zach Bogosian scored for the second straight game for the Wild. Filip Gustavsson stopped 21 of 27 shots. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Nathan MacKinnon had a goal ...

(AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and his NHL-leading ... Parker Kelly and Artturi Lehkonen also scored, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves. Zach Bogosian scored for the second straight ...