NHL roundup: Avalanche claim top spot in Western Conference, Gibson has Ducks reunion

NHL Roundup: Avalanche Lead Western Conference

The NHL featured three games on Friday, with no shutouts or overtime, but Anaheim fans witnessed a reunion with their former longtime goalie.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Martin Necas (8) of Colorado scored a goal and assisted twice in his first game after signing an eight-year contract extension on Thursday.
Necas opened the scoring 41 seconds into the match.
Brock Nelson (3) extended the lead to 2-0 for the Avalanche in the second period.
Vegas answered with Tomas Hertl (5) scoring a power-play goal.
Brent Burns (1), a 4-year-old player, scored his first goal this season, assisted by Necas, putting Colorado ahead 3-1.
Mitch Marner (3) quickly cut the lead to 3-2 during the third period.
Necas assisted again when Cale Makar (4) scored an empty-net goal, sealing Colorado’s 4-2 victory and their second consecutive win.

With this result, Colorado leads the Western Conference with a 7-1-4 record (18 points), while Vegas is 6-2-3 (15 points).

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders

Tom Wilson (6) gave the Capitals an early lead, but New York struck back strongly with three consecutive goals.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau (3) scored a short-handed goal before the end of the first period.
Bo Horvat (7) put the Islanders ahead 2-1.
Matthew Barzal (3), recently benched by coach Patrick Roy for "personal reasons," secured the empty-net goal.

This marked the Capitals' third loss in their last five games.

"Matthew Barzal, who was benched recently by head coach Patrick Roy for 'personal reasons,' scored the empty-netter to gift the Caps their third loss in the past five games."

Author’s summary: Colorado's strong performance, led by Martin Necas, propels them to the top of the Western Conference, while New York Islanders solidify their win over the Capitals with key late goals.

Flashscore.com — 2025-11-01

NHL Roundup: Avalanche Lead Western Conference

Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders

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