The playoffs are getting closer.
So are the games.
The Colorado Avalanche went on the road and pulled out a tough, 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
Valeri Nichushkin scored the game-winning goal at 10:52 of the third period. It was his second goal of the game. His first came at 13:46 of the second period and tied the game at one. Both goals came with the Avs on the power play.
Avs defenseman Devon Toews picked up an assist on each goal. Cale Makar also had an assist, as did Mikko Rantanen.
Colorado goalie Darcy Kuemper made 44 saves.
Forward Arturri Lehkonen, whom the Avs aquired from Montreal before the trade deadline, made his first appearance in a Colorado sweater. He logged 12:53 of ice time and had three shots on goal.
The Avalanche continues to lead the NHL with 100 points, thanks to a 47-14-6 record. The Flames are second in the Western Conference with 88 points and a 40-18-8 record.
This is the eighth time in franchise history the Avs have reached 100 points in a season and the first time since the 2013-2014 campaign.
Colorado returns home to take on the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. MDT.
Postgame comments from Avs forward Arturri Lehkonen.