Depth dominates as Avalanche take commanding 3-0 series lead

Through Games 1 and 2 of this first-round series against the Blues, the Avalanche relied heavily on production from their lethal top line of Gabe Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, who is so far playing like an early Conn Smythe favorite.

But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves now.

That aforementioned trio—who many would agree is likely the best line in the entire NHL—had combined for 6 goals and 16 points through the first two contests of their 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

That’s more goals and points than the rest of the team combined. 

Regardless of this uneven offensive distribution, the Avalanche still managed to head into St. Louis with a 2-0 series lead.

But on Friday night, the cavalry showed up.