Deen’s Daily: Avalanche’s Real Test Begins; Rantanen Talks Could Pick Up Soon; Goalie Goal!

Head coach Jared Bednar has no idea why the Avalanche can’t translate their 6-on-5 attack to the power play. The real test begins with three straight divisional games. Mikko Rantanen contract talks could pick up in the coming weeks. Also, a goalie for Pittsburgh scored a goal and added an assist to make NHL history.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 18.

Colorado Hockey Now

Mackenzie Blackwood has been solid, even in losing efforts. On Thursday, he just wanted to give his team a chance to win.

I asked Bednar late Thursday night about the team’s inability to score on the power play, yet their puck movement late in games during the 6-on-5 attack looks nearly perfect. He couldn’t quite put a finger on why that is. Check out the latest 10 Observations for more.

Rantanen and the Avs are currently at a stalemate in their negotiations. But things are expected to pick up soon.

The Avs continue their homestand in a matinee game today against the Dallas Stars. It’s the first of three games against the top three teams in the Central Division — all currently above the Avalanche in the standings.

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Just when you thought the news surrounding Penguins goalies would disappear, we have a goalie goal! And an assist! It’s an NHL first for Alex Nedeljkovic. The new starting goalie for Mike Sullivan’s group led the team to victory.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: On Thursday, Ryan Poehling took a big hit to the head from Maxim Tsyplakov of the New York Islanders. The Isles forward was suspended the following day.

NYI Hockey Now: Speaking of the Islanders, could big changes be coming? The team has had a steady core for more than a half decade but that might end soon. One of the players on the market is longtime Isles center Brock Nelson.