Avalanche Wrap: Trade For Nieto, Return Plan For Landeskog

It could have been another perfect week for the Colorado Avalanche if not a terrible third period against the Ducks.

It’s also a week that brought the first big move of the year for the team, as they traded for some depth up front

Let’s take a look back at the last week for the Avalanche before some time off.

Monday

We spoke to Cale Makar a few days before he returned on how he’s handling his injury recovery.

Three things we learned from the prior week, including Valeri Nichushkin‘s value (which would be felt later in the week).

Tuesday

Talked to Kurtis MacDermid before the game against Washington about getting back to playing defense full-time.

That night, the Avalanche held on for the win against the Capitals, mostly due to their goalie.

Locker Room report from the Capitals win, including Cogliano talking about their line rolling.

Plus/Minus, as Sam Girard was a big standout.

Wednesday

Turning Point was a perfect face-off play.

I did an Avalanche mailbag that the Avalanche might have read, because they addressed one of the areas I said they needed help in.

Later that night, the Avalanche acquired Matt Nieto and Ryan Merkley from San Jose.

Analysis of the trade, as Matt Nieto stepped in immediately later that week and provided exactly what the Avalanche expected.

Thursday

Cale Makar was set to return, while Valeri Nichushkin was out against the Ducks.

A report out of TSN came out that the Avalanche continue to monitor the situation with Sean Monahan in Montreal.

That night, the Avalanche blew a two goal lead and lost to the lowly Ducks.

Makar was very critical of himself after the game.

Losing to another bad team was a tough pill to swallow.

Friday

The turning point against the Ducks was them getting outworked on a shift in the second period.

At practice, the return plan for Gabriel Landeskog was mentioned by Jared Bednar.

Saturday

The Avalanche held on to beat the Blues on Saturday afternoon.

Alexandar Georgiev was popular in the locker room as he wanted to have a “talk” with Jordan Binnington at center ice in the second period.

Artturi Lehkonen is a workhorse.

Sunday

Jordan Binnington decided to egg on the Avalanche fans on Saturday.

An Evan Rodrigues goal was the turning point, on a perfect breakout.