Nazem Kadri scored the game-winning goal late in the third period, helping the Colorado Avalanche come from behind to defeat the Seattle Kraken 4-3 on Monday night.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel netted two goals, and Devon Toews scored for Colorado, which overcame former goalie Philipp Grubauer to secure its franchise-record 12th consecutive home win and fifth straight overall.
Grubauer, who made 31 saves, spent the previous three seasons with the Avalanche. He received a warm welcome from the Denver crowd, who cheered “Gru” when he appeared on the scoreboard. Last season, Grubauer posted a 30-9-1 record in 40 games for Colorado, but due to salary cap constraints, he became a free agent and signed a six-year, $35.4 million contract with Seattle.
“I wasn’t sure if they were boos or Grus when I came back here,” Grubauer said. “If it was ‘Gru,’ I definitely appreciate it. The love, appreciation, and support I received here have been incredible. Denver, especially the fans, will always hold a special place in my heart. It feels amazing for sure.”
The Kraken, playing their first game since January 1 after six postponements, showed little rust. Marcus Johansson, Jared McCann, and Colin Blackwell scored to give Seattle a 3-1 lead in the second period.
“We played a really good hockey game, but at the end of the day, it’s about the result,” coach Dave Hakstol said. “We didn’t come here just to play well; we came to win.”
Aube-Kubel’s second goal of the night brought Colorado within one, and Toews tied the game at 3-3 when the puck deflected off his right skate and into the net at 11:47 of the third period. The goal was upheld after a review.
“I don’t know what the definition of a kick-in is,” Grubauer said. “Maybe you can find an answer for me.”
McCann and Johansson each contributed and assisted as well.
Kadri scored the game-winner at 14:17 of the third period, beating Grubauer high for his 13th goal of the season.
“I had some space. I was initially looking to pass, but I saw an opening and decided to be aggressive, and it paid off,” said Kadri, who also had an assist in the game.
Grubauer was pulled for an extra skater in the final moments, but the Kraken couldn’t find the equalizer against Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz, who finished with 23 saves.
The Avalanche were without captain Gabriel Landeskog, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and was placed in health and safety protocols. Andre Burakovsky stepped up to the top line and recorded two assists.
“Of course, losing Landeskog is tough, but we’re a strong team, and we’ve shown we can rally and win even without key players,” Kadri said. “Obviously, we’re better with him, but our team has shown maturity and character in these kinds of comeback situations, something we might not have handled as well a year or two ago.”
Game Notes
Avalanche defenseman Ryan Murray was scratched after playing in the last two games, following his return from an 11-game absence due to a lower-body injury. … Kraken forward Joonas Donskoi is still searching for his first goal of the season after 34 games. He scored 17 goals in 51 games with Colorado last season before being taken by Seattle in the expansion draft. … Avalanche forward Valeri Nichuskin returned to the lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury.
UP NEXT
- Kraken: Host Dallas on Wednesday night.
- Avalanche: Visit Nashville on Tuesday night.
