The Aftermath: Top Line Helps Quiet Avalanche Defeat Buffalo

The Avalanche weren’t at their best in an early afternoon matinée matchup in Buffalo on Monday. Understandably so, given that the 10:38 am MT puck drop was right around 36 hours after the conclusion of Saturday’s intense matchup against the Dallas Stars.

It wasn’t quite a back-to-back, but it was the closest you can get to it. Despite being outplayed early and not looking as sharp as they’d like, the Avalanche left their first match against an Eastern Conference team with a 3-1 victory.

Colorado is 3-0-1 on the season through the first week, and will have two nights off before taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road on Thursday to close out their road trip.

To put it in simple terms, Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas were the difference. They dominated again and elevated Colorado after a sluggish start.

MacKinnon scored twice, Necas assisted on both, and the final goal came from Cale Makar.

The Sabres came out strong in the first period, controlling play and peppering goalie Scott Wedgewood. But Colorado got on the board first at 3:14.

MacKinnon entered the zone and got a pass from Necas. He made a nifty play to his backhand and shot it past goalie Alex Lyon. Before the first period ended, Buffalo knotted things up  thanks to Tage Thompson’s first goal of the year.

It never felt like the Avs were truly at risk of losing, even with the Sabres being the stronger team in the first. Makar got his first of the season 4:32 into the middle frame, capitalizing on a sweet set up from Valeri Nichushkin to make it 2-1. Makar also had an assist, bringing him to five points through the first four games.

The Avs added to the lead later in the second as MacKinnon scored his fourth in four games off yet another set up from Necas.

The duo thought they had another goal in the third, but it was called back after Buffalo challenged for offsides.

The Avs outshot Buffalo 37-29, with Wedgewood making 26 saves to earn his third win of the year.

What Worked

The Dynamic Duo Looks More Dangerous Than Ever

I’m starting to think we might be underestimating just how great Necas could be with the Avs. He only had 28 points in 30 games after the trade last season, which is nowhere near the production of Mikko Rantanen.

But speaking of Rantanen, he only had 24 points in 33 games between Carolina and Dallas before the playoffs. So, maybe we’re not giving Necas enough credit. Perhaps, like Rantanen, starting the season with his new club will help acclimate him better, and maybe he’s going to produce more than the 80–90 points we might think would be the norm.

It’s only been four games, but Necas and MacKinnon look more dangerous than ever. They both have been on the scoresheet in every game. And as of the conclusion of the early Monday victory, they sit atop the NHL points race with eight, each.

The way they feed off of each other is something special. Their speed, their finesse, and creativity is at another level. And maybe my favorite part about all of this? They’re both shooting the puck more.

MacKinnon only had 32 goals last season and Necas 27. You have to imagine they’re going to far exceed those totals this season.

What Didn’t

Buffalo Can’t Shake The Struggles

I can’t imagine the Sabres are going to rebound from a start like this. Maybe they will, but given their 14-year playoff drought, starting the season 0-3 might sink their hopes before the season is even a week old.

They needed to fight back. They trailed 3-1 at the second intermission and had some solid looks. But the third period was the definition of Sabres hockey. Instead of being the hungrier team, they were outshot 15-4 and basically let the Avalanche do their thing.

That’s just not something you can allow.

Is this an overreaction? Maybe. I just don’t think a team mired in a slump like this, with the issues they’ve had on and off the ice, will be able to work their way out of it. It’s going to take a lot of resiliency. I’d love for them to prove me wrong, but I’m not holding my breath.