Colorado Avalanche Grades in Win over Devils

“The Devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat”

Bowen Byram: B- – He seems to be the recipient of big hits lately, but he’s bouncing up every time. He’s getting back into position and playing smart.

Erik Johnson: B – Big player were playing physical tonight. He had four hits and was putting guys on the ground. Those types of hits are going to be magnified come playoffs.

Devon Toews: B – Relatively a quite night for the star defenseman. He had three shots on net and his usual 20 plus minutes of ice time.

Cale Makar: A – Five points in 2 games is pretty good…I guess.

Andrew Cogliano: B – He does all the little things right and has done it all since joining the team. The Avs penalty kill has turned it around.

Valeri Nichushkin: B+ – His speed always surprises me for a big guy. He crashes the net and guys are going down with him. He added an assist tonight and three hits.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel: B – Not hat trick tonight, but Bednar spoke highly of him after last nights game. He’s really turned his game around since being scratched.

Alex Newhook: C+ – Nothing too crazy tonight. I like that he can play with virtually anyone on this team.

Logan O’Connor: A – BOY did he need that. Not just because it ends his drought but add DU being in the building, extra special.

Nathan MacKinnon: B+ – Almost had one in the last two minutes of the game. There were a couple of instances tonight I wished he passed it and not shot it, but my name also isn’t MacKinnon.

J.T. Compher: C – Not much from him tonight. One shot and about 17 minutes played. 

Josh Manson: B – Similar to Johnson, he was laying down some Devils with three hits. Throw in an assist, it was a decent night. 

Darren Helm: B – He will sit in front of the net and just not move. 14 points on the season.

Sam Girard: B- – A plus two tonight and a few spin-o-ramas tonight. He was third for defensemen in ice time at 20:04.

Artturi Lehkonen: A+ – Goal and an assist tonight and he just seemed to be all over the ice. From forehecking to backchecking, great night for #62.

Nico Sturm: C+ – I really like the opportunities he creates on the penalty kill. He quick burst of speed makes him lethal through the neutral zone if the puck gets past the defense. 

Andre Burakovsky : A – Hot streak Burky! Time to finish the season strong and head into the playoffs with confidence. I like him on a line with Lehkonen as they are both fast and have great hands to dish and receive the puck.

Mikko Rantanen : A – He had eight shot attempts tonight and an assist. Incredible season for The Moose.

Pavel Francouz: A- – Some very good saves in the game. He is looking like a great backup as the playoffs emerge.