Evan’s Daily: Landeskog Injury Update, Kovalenko Crushing KHL Playoffs

After practice on Friday, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar gave another update on Gabriel Landeskog and his injury. Did it provide more clarity? I’m not so sure, but it was interesting where the timeline started in their minds.

Meanwhile, Nikolai Kovalenko is tearing it up in the KHL playoffs after a tremendous regular season. There’s a lot to be excited about with him.

All that and more in this Saturday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

We tried to get some clarity on what’s going on with Gabriel Landeskog, and we were given some interesting information. It almost sounds like all these injury issues Landeskog has dealt with started with a freak play back in the bubble. Check out the link here.

After practice on Friday, Bednar said there’s “no question” the team has had trouble getting up for games in the regular season after reaching the top of the mountain last year. Will this team be able to flip the switch come April?

Avalanche Turning Point: Horrific Powerplay Kills the Buzz (+)

Avalanche Prospects

In Russia, Nikolai Kovalenko is off to a hot start in the KHL playoffs after a great regular season. He’s got five points in five games, and assisted on the overtime winner for Torpedo the other day. Here are some highlights (He’s #51).

🚨 В играх плей-офф в воротах может оказаться не только шайба…

В Нижнем Новгороде бодрый хоккей — после первого периода счёт 1:1!

📹 КХЛ pic.twitter.com/TOfwd2GhRn

— Хоккей на Кинопоиске (@hockeyonkp) March 2, 2023

OVERTIME WINNER 💥
🚨 Denis Yan OT 2nd of the game
🍏 Nikolai Kovalenko #GoAvsGo
4-3 Torpedo #KHLplayoffs pic.twitter.com/oaeiLkpUaK

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) March 10, 2023

HATTY WATCH 👀 TIE GAME
🚨 Sergei Goncharuk PP 2nd of the game #TOR
🍎 Nikolai Kovalenko #GoAvsGo 🍏 @Igor_LarionovII
3-3 #KHLplayoffs pic.twitter.com/mUCe14wlRC

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) March 8, 2023

National Hockey Now

Some people are worried about the Avalanche dropping out of the playoffs. It’s hard to be worried about that when the teams behind them can’t win. On Friday, the Flames lost to the Anaheim Ducks at home. Yes, those Anaheim Ducks. In regulation.

Who doesn’t love a good rumble on the ice? There was one between the Golden Knights and Lightning on Thursday night. You can watch it here.

Cliff Fletcher, who completely bombed at the trade deadline, was fired on Friday and will be replaced by former Avalanche forward Danny Briere, at least in the interim.