[NHL] “The Returning Closer” Nichushkin Strikes… Avalanche Edge Flyers 3–2

(Philadelphia = Won Jeong) Colorado’s “Big Val” is back. Valeri Nichushkin, who recently returned from injury, delivered a statement goal and led the Avalanche to victory.

On December 7 (KST), the Colorado Avalanche earned a hard-fought 3–2 road win against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 2025–26 NHL regular season.

The spotlight belonged to Nichushkin. After being sidelined for about three weeks with a lower-body injury, he returned to action on December 2 against Vancouver and has quickly regained form. In just his third game back, he finally rediscovered his scoring touch.

Midway through the second period with Colorado holding a 2–1 lead, Nichushkin fought through traffic in front of the crease and pushed the puck home with relentless focus. It was a moment reminiscent of the gritty warrior who famously played through a broken foot during the 2022 Stanley Cup run. Considering the Flyers’ late-game surge, Nichushkin’s tally was effectively the decisive game-winner—worth its weight in gold.

Colorado initially stumbled, conceding the opening goal, but veteran presence steadied the pace. Brent Burns tied the game in the first period, and Brock Nelson capitalized on a power-play opportunity to flip the score in Colorado’s favor.

Nichushkin’s strike then added a vital layer of offensive force. Local broadcasters noted, “Nichushkin’s physicality and puck-possession ability are central to the Avalanche’s offensive structure,” welcoming his healthy return.

On the back end, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a “super save” when it mattered most. He stopped 24 shots in total, including a critical penalty-shot attempt in the third period that preserved Colorado’s narrow lead.

Following the win, head coach Jared Bednar said, “There’s a major difference when Nichushkin is in our lineup. His return and his goal tonight injected tremendous energy into the team.”

With balanced contributions from key players, the Avalanche return home with two valuable road points and will look to build momentum in their next matchup against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.