Avalanche: Cale Makar’s team record; Artturi Lehkonen’s debut has to wait

Friday, March 25, 2022. 11:55 PM

DENVER — Cale Makar scored twice to set a new team record for goals scored by a defenseman in a season in the Colorado Avalanche’s 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night.

Makar’s second goal on a wrist shot in the third period was his 24th of the season, surpassing Sandis Ozolinsh’s record, set in the 1996-97 season.

Acquired Montreal Canadiens forward Artturi Lehkonen was out of uniform due to issues with U.S. immigration.

Nazem Kadri had a goal and two assists in a four-goal first period that set the tone for the Avalanche. JT Compher, Mikko Rantanen and Kurtis MacDermid – who was celebrating his 28th birthday – also hit the mark.

Pavel Francouz stopped 29 shots for the Avalanche, which sits at the top of the NHL. The Denver roster is looking to claim a second straight President’s Trophy.

James van Riemsdyk, Zack MacEwen and Max Willman replied for the Flyers, who played their second game in as many nights following defeating the Blues in St. Louis.

Trailing 5-1 in the second period, the Flyers scored twice to create some suspense, but Makar ended their hopes with his second of the game.

The Avalanche defensemen also set a new team mark for the number of goals scored by members of the defensive squad. MacDermid’s goal in the second period, a 54th by a defenseman, broke the record that had stood since the 1992-1993 season, at the time of the Quebec Nordiques.