Deen’s Daily: Nichushkin’s a Difference Maker; Larkin Called Out; Is Nelson on the Move?

The Avalanche play a big four-point game tonight. Will they be able to build on Thursday’s win? The Red Wings lost, and Dylan Larkin was called out. Also, are the Islanders still moving on from Brock Nelson?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 28.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche came out like the high-flying offensive team we’ve known for a half-decade on Thursday. And it was largely thanks to the return of Valeri Nichushkin, which gave Jared Bednar a fully healthy forward group for the first time in a while.

Catch my 10 Observations from the Avs win against New Jersey, which includes some pretty cool sights and scenes from the locker room following the game. As is the case with all Observation pieces after home games, this one is behind the paywall.

Use promo code Deen10 for 25% off an annual subscription.

Before that win, Colorado seemed to be really struggling with morale after back-to-back losses last weekend. Bednar had one simple message for his team. And it was received.

Around the NHL

NYI Hockey Now: Brock Nelson could be the best rental piece on the market if Mikko Rantanen isn’t traded again. He was highlighted in my latest Avalanche Trade Board earlier this week. Where do the Isles stand with the veteran centerman?

New Jersey Hockey Now: Nothing went right for the Devils at Ball Arena. But one player in particular had a brutal game all around.

Detroit Hockey Now: Ahead of the Stadium Series game at Ohio State, the Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets played the first of a home and home. Columbus easily won. Detroit head coach Todd McLellan did not mince words about his captain’s performance.

Florida Hockey Now: Another Stanley Cup Final rematch. Another loss for the Edmonton Oilers.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Three players who need to step up for the Sens.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens finally showed some guts and emotions in a crazy performance against cross-state rival Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Three thoughts from the Flyers loss.

San Jose Hockey Now: You won’t believe how long it’s been since the Sharks lost in Montreal. Until now.

Montreal Hockey Now: How the Habs got it done.