Necas scored 40 seconds into the second period, and just three seconds after a San Jose penalty. MacKinnon won the faceoff back to Makar, and then Necas blasted a one-timer from him into the net for his fifth goal with the Avs and 21st of the season.

The ever-modest Cale Makar did all he could to downplay his two-goal, four-assist night. It was a performance that just so happened to be the most productive offensive showing by a defenseman in franchise history.

MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 18 games, and Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas each had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (37-24-2), who have won four straight and acquired center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders during the game. Artturi Lehkonen had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves.