Gregor said of the goal: “It was amazing.” “It’s always good to score a goal because I haven’t scored for a long time.”
With the Avalanche leading 2-1 late in the period, Brock Nelson tucked in the spilled puck at 18:30.
They traded chances throughout the first period, with both teams totaling 32 shots (20 to 12 col).
Gavin Brindley converted a backhander off a rebound to extend Colorado’s lead to 3-1 at 5:05 of the second period.
Nathan MacKinnon made a wrist shot to make it 4-1 at 7:18.
Artturi Lehkonen scored on a breakaway at 12:31 to give the Avalanche a 5-1 lead.
A late power play nearly extended the lead, but Martin Necas’ goal was ruled offside and the game remained 5-1.
It was a three-goal period for Colorado, and the Avalanche outscored the Panthers 15-8 in the second frame.
“They hit us with some speed and are a dangerous team from the rush,” Jones said. “If you’re not on top of the puck and playing good defense, they’re going to make you pay.”
Trying to get the Panthers back within three points, Eitu Luostarinen’s goal was overturned after the referee deemed it a kicking motion.
Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog scored his sixth goal of the season to make it 6-1 at 6:18.
Macky Samoskevic scored late in the period at 13:08, off a feed from AJ Grier to make it 6-2.
