Aarif Deen
The Avalanche knew their offense would be a lot more prevalent in this series than it was against the Los Angeles Kings. They’ve talked about it for a week. But nobody expected this. Head coach Jared Bednar couldn’t explain how this game unfolded.
Nazem Kadri, who had the game-winner, said it was the opposite of what they thought it would be. Cale Makar, after scoring two goals, called it a weird game three times in his post-game presser.
The Avalanche scored nine times against a Minnesota Wild team that prides itself on playing a well-rounded game. Eight goals were put past Jesper Wallstedt, who has only given up more than four just six other times in his career. This is the first time he’s surrendered eight.
But on Colorado’s side, Scott Wedgewood was better, but not by much. Wedgewood gave up six goals for just the second time since joining the Avalanche. He still came away with a victory, but you have to imagine he’ll be better in the next game — far better than this.
You can’t pin the entire performance on him, though.
“It wasn’t his best. That being said, on the defensive side of things, it was probably no one on our team’s best,” Bednar said. “I group him in with the rest of the team. We have to get better, and we’ll do that for Game 2. He gave us a chance to win tonight.”
He continued: “Their goalie played amazing in the Dallas series, and he let in a bunch tonight, too. Most of the things that we’re dealing with aren’t just exclusive to us, either. They’ll be going through the same things and trying to get better. And I’m sure both teams will do better defensively come Game 2, and we’ll keep trying to push it the same way we have offensively.”
10 Takeaways
1. Devon Toews had two goals and 11 points in 24 games coming out of the Olympic break. It was still well below his usual offensive production from years past, but well ahead of his pace to start the season. It’s safe to say he’s elevated his play in the postseason.
Toews was a catalyst of the offense in Game 1. He already had points in three straight games against Los Angeles. He followed that up with a goal and three helpers to lead the Avs’ offensive outburst. Toews is tied with Nathan MacKinnon for the most points on the team in the postseason with seven.
2. The goals were coming from the blueline, but the defensive breakdowns were happening far too often. Especially in those 21 minutes from late in the first to late in the second, where the Avalanche were outscored 5-1. The third pair was a struggle. I’m not sure how long it’s going to take Josh Manson to get back, but Brent Burns and Nick Blankenburg aren’t a good match.
The best we’ve seen of Burns this season has always been when he plays with Manson.
3. Before Kadri scored the big game-winning goal, his line wasn’t having a great night. At least not on the defensive side of the puck. Ross Colton was also non-existent before that play. And kudos to him for making that pass to Kadri as quickly and as efficiently as he did. Kadri, particularly, was a -4 before his goal. He was on the ice for three goals at five-on-five, plus the shorthanded goal Marcus Foligno scored. He finished with a -3 and a team-leading eight shots on goal.
4. The third piece of that line, Nic Roy, was probably their best underrated forward in the first round. In this game? Not so much. Roy played a team-low 10:05. It’s the second-lowest ice time he’s had in Colorado since his debut on March 4.
5. On one hand, you want to see him bounce back. And he likely will. But on the other hand, having this level of depth — this many options — makes it easier to sit a guy that isn’t going on any particular night.
6. How much can a game like that effect a goaltender’s stat line? Wallstedt’s save percentage dropped from .924 to .903, while Wedgewood saw his go from .950 to .920.
7. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy each finished with one assist. It’s good, for Minnesota’s sake, that they still scored six goals without them producing. But they’re not going to win many games without those guys leading the offense, along with Quinn Hughes.
8. Speaking of Hughes, he entered the night with eight assists in 18 career games against the Avalanche. This was his first goal against Colorado. He also added two assists.
9. One of my colleagues asked me after the game if I thought any of the teams would go to a different goalie in Game 2. I don’t think that’ll happen. At least not to start. But if either team’s goalie has a bad start to Game 2? You most definitely will see a change. Especially if it’s Wallstedt.
10. I do think it’s good that the Avalanche have the composure to not allow a goal against get to their head. They’ve trailed twice in the first five games of the postseason, and it hasn’t been for long. We all remember Game 2 against Los Angeles. It was 0-0 until late in the third period. But once Los Angeles scored, the Avs answered back just 3:21 later.
In this game, Colorado led 3-0 and 4-2. They had no business giving up the lead. But when the Wild scored shorthanded to take a lead for the first time, the Avalanche didn’t let it get to them. Just 1:09 later, they tied it up, and they did it before the second intermission even though they had very little time to work with.