It took one game for Nathan MacKinnon to spot a key difference with his new linemate, Martin Necas. MacKinnon sent a pass to Necas on the far side of the ice against the Boston Bruins the day after the Colorado Avalanche’s blockbuster trade sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Necas,

Martin Necas had two goals and an assist to help the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 win against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday. The forward has eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games since being acquired by Colorado with forward Jack Drury in a three-team trade involving the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks that sent forwards Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes.

Nathan MacKinnon had three assists, while his new linemate Martin Necas had two goals and an assist to help the Avalanche shrug off a slow start before rolling past the Flames, 4-2, at Scotiabank Saddledome.