Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Lead Series; Colton Injured; Battle of Ontario Starts Tonight

The Avs took Game 1 in Dallas while Winnipeg was able to hold home-ice advantage in their series. Colorado lost a forward to injury. Also, three other series get started today.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 20.

Colorado Hockey Now

The first playoff game in the Mackenzie Blackwood era in Colorado ended with a 5-1 victory for the Avs on the road. Blackwood, who made his playoff debut, was exceptional.

The Avs took home-ice advantage from the Stars and have an opportunity to take a stranglehold of the series on Monday before it moves to Denver.

Perhaps the one blemish on the game was an injury to Ross Colton. He played just 7:04 before leaving the game (lower body). Head coach Jared Bednar said after the game that we’ll know more about his status later on Sunday.

Colorado is practicing at 2 pm.

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Winnipeg Takes Game 1: The Jets trailed by a goal midway through the third period before scoring three times to defeat the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Winnipeg was the better team but the Blues kept it close. It felt to me like a missed opportunity for Jim Montgomery’s club to escape with a win.

Three Other Series Open Tonight: The Devils and Hurricanes will commence a full day of hockey starting at 2 pm MT. That will be followed by Game 1 between Toronto and Ottawa at 6 pm before Vegas opens its series against the Minnesota Wild at 9 pm.

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: A frustrated Erik Karlsson is ready for whatever happens next in regards to his tenure in Pittsburgh.

Philly Hockey Now: Here’s a recap of the Flyers’ exit interviews.

NYI Hockey Now: Revisiting every major Lou Lamoriello move as GM. I don’t think he has a lot of wins, but getting Calum Ritchie from Colorado might be one of his better moves.

Detroit Hockey Now: Patrick Kane has many reasons why he’d like to stay in Detroit. It sounds like the team also has an interest in keeping him.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Get amped up for the Battle of Ontario with this trip down memory lane from the early 2000s.

Donate To The CHN Playoff Travel Fund: VENMO or PAYPAL