Avs Game Grades: Hats off to the top line in Game 2

Gabe Landeskog (A+) – The captain got the team started yet again, mirroring what he brought to Game 1. This time, instead of a fight, Landeskog made a different kind of physical play—in the form of a big check on former teammate Ryan O’Reilly. The Avs subsequently kept the puck in the zone, Kadri feed to Ryan Graves, point shot, tip by Joonas Donskoi, 1-0 half a minute in. Landeskog made the key screen on Binnington that made it happen. He did it again on team’s second goal, too. And the fourth goal. Landeskog continues to be the emotional leader through the Avs first two postseason games.

Nathan MacKinnon (A+) – There aren’t many players in the NHL better than Playoff Nate MacKinnon…or just Nate MacKinnon in general. A hat trick and yet another multi-point night for the future Conn Smythe winner.

Mikko Rantanen (A) – Mikko just can’t solve St. Louis…or rather, can’t solve himself. In Game 1, he shot a puck through the crease of a wide open net. Then, he was robbed on a 2-on-0 by Binnington. Those frustrations carried into Game 2 tonight, it seemed. He was also on the ice for two of the three St. Louis goals tonight. But he did get two assists, so we’ll call it a wash.