Evan’s Daily: Devils Beat Rangers in Game Seven, Second Line Center Need For Avalanche

The first round of the NHL playoffs are finally complete, as the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers in Game Seven on Monday night. The Devils came back and won four of five games to win the series.

It was the first day of the offseason for the Colorado Avalanche. Things are still fresh, but one thing is very clear: the Avalanche need to find a second line center this summer.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

J.T. Compher had a career year with the Avalanche, but come playoff time, he wasn’t good enough running the second line. In fact, he was moved to wing in the final two games. This summer, the Avalanche need to make it a priority to go out and find a second line center to play behind Nathan MacKinnon. Read about it here.

Avalanche Turning Point: Long Shift Leads to Game-Winner (+)

As they did all series long, the secondary scoring for the Avalanche failed to do anything in Game Seven against the Kraken. They get a minus. As for a plus, that had to go to Erik Johnson, who may have played his last game in an Avalanche uniform.

We’ll start to dig into the offseason more here soon, with reviews of each individual players season, as well as looking ahead to what the Avalanche might do this summer.

NHL Playoffs

Once down 2-0 in their series to the New York Rangers, the New Jersey Devils clawed back and won four of five games, including Game Seven on Monday night. Akira Schmid stopped every shot that came his way, and the Devils broke through shorthanded to start their run of goals.

There was a slight bit of controversy in the game, as Jacob Trouba laid a massive hit on Timo Meier, who entered the zone with his head down. No penalty was called, but it was a violent hit. What do you say? Clean or not?

Jacob Trouba with a hit on Timo Meier in the middle of the ice pic.twitter.com/Tt9b17N2aV

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 2, 2023

With the Devils winning, the second round is officially set.

New Jersey vs. Carolina

Toronto vs. Florida

Seattle vs. Dallas

Edmonton vs. Vegas

Who do you have winning? I’m taking New Jersey, Toronto, Dallas, and Edmonton.

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