Avs-Red Wings Game Review: Avalanche set franchise record

Two teams with a smattering of AHL talent, low shot counts and next-to-no ferocity, did we just witness a 2020/21 pre-season game in March? Not quite, but this one was as bland as white coffee, no sugar. 2-1 however, I’ll take it.

And so will you.

The Birthday Boy Debut

Goaltender Michael Hutchinson made his Avs debut, on what would be his 30th birthday. The much-maligned goalie, who was acquired for defenceman Calle Rosen at the deadline, stopped 17 shots, allowing one and only one early in the piece. A soft rebound that seemingly, he just didn’t see. OK, so he was swimming more than Michael Phelps on that one, big deal. He had two bites at the biscuit, but couldn’t handle it and Mantha, a goal machine was lurking to slam the puck home. Besides that, he had a relatively easy showing, the Avs not allowing much quality or quantity. The Avalanche held the Wings to a minimal four-high danger changes and held the Wings to distance, helping Hutchinson settle any possible first game nerves.