Nazem Kadri scores twice as part of a 26-shot, 5-goal 1st period to help Avalanche beat Flames 9-2

DENVER (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored twice on the power play against his former team as part of a 26-shot, five-goal first period and the Colorado Avalanche cruised to a 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.

The 26 shots is tied for second-most in a period in franchise history. The Avalanche finished with 49 shots — tied for their season high — as they increased their lead to eight points over Dallas in the race for the NHL’s top mark.

Jack Drury kicked off the scoring spree 2:31 into the game, followed by back-to-back power play goals from Kadri over a 66-second span. Captain Gabriel Landeskog and Parker Kelly also added goals before the first-period horn sounded.

Nathan MacKinnon added his 49th goal in the second period, along with two assists in the third. Martin Necas, Sam Malinski and Artturi Lehkonen each scored in the final period. The nine goals tied a season high.

The Avalanche saw eight players score goals, their most in a single game since March 17, 1996, according to NHL Stats. The team also had nine players notch multiple points.

Cale Makar recorded three assists but didn't play in the third due to an upper-body injury. Coach Jared Bednar had no update after the game.

Colorado finished 3 for 4 on the power player. Kadri has been a big lift to a struggling power play since being acquired from Calgary on March 6. He knows the team well after being part of the team's Stanley Cup title in 2022.

Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves for Colorado.

Brennan Othmann and Ryan Strome had goals for the Flames. Dustin Wolf started in net but was pulled midway through the opening period after giving up four goals on 16 shots. Devin Cooley stepped in and surrendered five goals on 33 shots.

The Avalanche improved to 12-1-3 against the Flames over their last 16 matchups.

Flames: At Vegas on Thursday.

Avalanche: Host Vancouver on Wednesday.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) stops a shot as Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost (16) covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, March 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood puts on his gloves for the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns, right, congratulates left wing Gabriel Landeskog after his goal against the Calgary Flames in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, March 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf reacts after giving up a goal to Colorado Avalanche center Jack Drury in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, center, is congratulated after scoirng a power play goal by center Nathan MacKinnon, left, and center Brock Nelson, right, as Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas, front, joins in in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks will appear on the HBO show “Hard Knocks” ahead of the 2026 NFL season, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the Seahawks nor the NFL had formally announced the agreement to have the team on the league’s training camp documentary. The NFL’s behind-the-scenes show is in its 26th year.

The Seahawks didn't have to participate in “Hard Knocks” for many years because of a rule giving a team the option if they made the playoffs each of the previous two seasons. That rule was changed a year ago.

Seattle has a handful of intriguing storylines ahead of the 2026 season. The Seahawks let running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III (Chiefs), safety Coby Bryant (Bears), linebacker Boye Mafe (Bengals), cornerback Riq Woolen (Eagles) and wide receiver Dareke Young (Raiders) all move on from the franchise in free agency.

It is also unclear how Seattle intends to replace Walker’s production, whether that’s by committee with the likes of Emanuel Wilson, who was signed in free agency after three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, George Holani and Kenny McIntosh, or if the injured Zach Charbonnet will become the main option once he’s healthy.

Coach Mike Macdonald told reporters at the NFL’s annual league meeting in Arizona that the Seahawks are expecting to have Charbonnet back at some point during the season.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba smiles during an NFL football news conference, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Kevin Ng)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald smiles as he walks after attending a session at the NFL football annual meetings, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams holds the trident as he speaks to the crowd before an opening-day baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

FILE - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates winning the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game over the New England Patriots, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)