The Colorado Avalanche began the season with a dud against a recent Stanley Cup champion — the Vegas Golden Knights. But the Avs looked like a completely different club Monday night, completing the first half of the regular season with a statement effort against the defending champion Florida Panthers.

Devon Toews scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 11:06 remaining, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Monday night. Mikko Rantanen added a late empty-net goal to help the Avalanche wrap up a four-game homestand at 3-0-1.

Devon Toews scores from just inside the blue line to give the Avalanche a lead over the Panthers in the third period.