Jared Bednar wanted the Avalanche to treat the last five games before the 4 Nations Faceoff like it’s the playoffs. The team got the memo. Colorado stormed out of the gate with four first-period goals on Friday on its way to a 5-0 drubbing of its divisional rival St.

The Colorado Avalanche responded after a disappointing road trip with its best period of the season Friday night and an easy win against the St. Louis Blues.

DENVER -- Jonathan Drouin scored twice and had an assist during a four-goal first period for the Colorado Avalanche, who defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-0 at Ball Arena on Friday.

The Colorado Avalanche play host to the St. Louis Blues for their first home game since trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the first of four matchups between the division rivals.

St. Louis allowed four goals in the first period, including two on Colorado power plays, digging themselves a massive hole as they tried to avoid their fourth straight loss.