SAN JOSE — Mikko Rantanen had the lone goal in the shootout Saturday and the Colorado Avalanche survived a tremendous performance by San Jose goalie Mackenzie Blackwood to win for the second time in as many games to start the 2023-24 season.
Cale Makar finally found the breakthrough for the Avalanche against Blackwood with 1:26 left in regulation. It was the club’s 49th shot on goal in the game, but it leveled the score and sent the game to overtime.
Colorado dominated for vast stretches, finishing with a 111-57 advantage in shot attempts, but the San Jose players in front of Blackwood also blocked 31 shots and generally frustrated the Avs despite long shifts with plenty of possession time in the offensive zone.