Devils Build 3-1 Lead Over Avalanche Behind Strong Attack

New Jersey controlled much of its October 20, 2026, matchup against Colorado at the Devils' home arena, taking a 3-1 lead into the third period through goals from Luke Evangelista, Declan Chisholm and Arseny Gritsyuk. According to Yahoo Sports' game report, the Devils outshot the Avalanche 32-13 through 40 minutes, putting sustained pressure on goaltender Scott Wedgewood. Colorado entered the contest following a loss in Philadelphia the previous night, while New Jersey had more time to prepare after losing 4-2 to Washington on October 17, according to Mile High Hockey.

The Avalanche struggled to generate offense during the opening two periods despite Wedgewood's efforts to keep the deficit manageable. Evangelista opened the scoring at 6:40 of the first period after Colorado failed to control a loose puck in its defensive zone. The Devils recovered possession and created the opportunity that allowed Evangelista to beat Wedgewood, according to Yahoo Sports.

Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog responded with 5:28 remaining in the opening period. After Cale Makar delivered a backhand pass, Landeskog fired toward the net and converted his own rebound to make it 1-1.

New Jersey finished the first period with a 14-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Avalanche also conceded a late penalty when Artturi Lehkonen was called for delay of game after sending the puck over the glass with 1:38 remaining. The Devils regained the lead midway through the second period when Declan Chisholm sent a slap shot from the point toward the Colorado net. The attempt deflected off Avalanche forward Brock Nelson and crossed the goal line, giving New Jersey a 2-1 advantage with 7:29 remaining in the period, according to Yahoo Sports.

Wedgewood continued to face a heavy workload as Colorado struggled to produce scoring opportunities. The Devils' 32-13 shots advantage after two periods reflected their sustained offensive pressure, while the Avalanche needed a stronger response to close the gap. Colorado generated more chances early in the third period, with Martin Necas testing Devils goaltender Jake Allen before setting up another opportunity that produced a rebound for Nathan MacKinnon. Makar also attempted to force the loose puck into the net, but New Jersey prevented the Avalanche from equalizing.

Gritsyuk then extended the Devils' lead to 3-1. According to Yahoo Sports, the forward stole the puck from MacKinnon, maneuvered past Necas and Devon Toews, and finished with a backhand shot against Wedgewood. Colorado received its first power play of the game with 11:17 remaining in the third period after Evan Rodrigues was penalized for hooking Landeskog.

The opportunity gave the Avalanche a chance to reduce the deficit after spending much of the game under pressure. New Jersey's Jake Allen also contributed important saves, including a stop against Makar, according to the Devils' official NHL video coverage. The game additionally marked Allen's 500th NHL appearance, an achievement celebrated by his wife and daughters before the contest.

Before the matchup, Mile High Hockey listed Colorado's record at 5-3-1 and New Jersey's at 4-4-0. The Devils entered the game with Jack Hughes leading their scoring with nine points in eight games, while Jesper Bratt had seven points and Nico Hischier led the team with four goals.