In the Room: MacKinnon Exclusive, Vintage Landeskog, and a Highly Focused Group (+)

You’re not supposed to bounce back that quickly after seeing a lengthy winning streak come to an end. Traditionally, it takes teams a few games to get back to their stride.

The Avalanche’s 10-game streak ended late in the afternoon in Minnesota on Friday. Less than 24 hours later, they lit up the Montreal Canadiens for seven goals and quickly got back in the winning column.

They even led 5-1 at the second intermission but still managed two more goals, while outshooting Montreal 12-6 in the final 20 minutes.

“I’ll go back to focus and determination of the group,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s the leadership focus of our group that, right now, is what’s helping us through some of those.”

Gabe Landeskog and Brock Nelson had breakout performances. It was Landeskog’s first 3+ point game since 2022, and Nelson’s first four-point performance since 2021.

We also saw multiple points from Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Martin Necas. And two more goals from the blueline.

From my exclusive with Nathan MacKinnon post-game, to big performances from Landeskog and Nelson. Here’s how things shook out at Ball Arena in a vintage game between Les Habitants and their old rival, the Quebec Nordiques.

READ MORE: The Aftermath: Brock Nelson Has 4 Points, Avalanche Rout Habs 7-2

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