10 Observations: Nichushkin Arrives. It’s Time to Play Him More (+)

Valeri Nichushkin had a vintage Val game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. He was a physical force, fast, and confident with the puck. It’s the type of relentless game that has made him a key piece of this Avalanche roster for a half-decade.

The Avs’ 5-4 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes lived up to the hype. The Nordiques and Whalers jerseys were a sight to see, but the on-ice product was every bit as entertaining.

Nichushkin was a force. He was also a great teammate after the game.

READ MORE: The Aftermath: Miner Shines — Avalanche Secure Another Point, Fall in Shootout

10 Observations

1. The arrival of Nichushkin this season took a little bit longer. But he’s here, he’s earning his minutes, and the coaching staff has got to use him more.

I never understood the decision to have Brock Nelson on the top unit if Victor Olofsson was coming in to be the left-handed shooter. Quite honestly, I didn’t even agree with Artturi Lehkonen getting top PP minutes before that. But that one at least makes sense.

It was the obvious move all along to move Nichushkin to the first PP, and he rewarded the team with a vintage Val PP goal after scoring on one of his powerful rushes up the wing in the first period.

2. Nichushkin played 22:05. Not only is this the first time he’s played 20+ minutes this season, but it’s also the first time he even gets to 19 minutes.

3. Before the season started, I was on the Guerilla Sports podcast and told the folks there that Nichushkin is the player to watch out for in the first full season without Mikko Rantanen as the main goal scoring winger. Nichushkin has scored at basically a half a goal per game clip over the past few seasons, and should get an opportunity on the top line.

I know Lehkonen has fit in well with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, but it’s nice to have options. Right now, the top line isn’t doing dominant top-line things like it was in the first four games. I’d argue Nichushkin should switch places with Lehkonen for a few games to try and spark both lines.

Play him 20+ minutes a night, every night. He’s shown historically that he can be a major threat. He even led the league in power-play goals at one point during the 2023-24 season.

4. When I got to the locker room post-game, I went straight to Trent Miner to talk to him about his perfect relief performance. While Miner was surrounded by four reporters and answering a question, Nichushkin stepped into the scrum to shake Miner’s hand, before exiting the room.

We already know Nichushkin is fond of Mackenzie Blackwood and goalies in general. But I’m starting to think No. 13 is becoming one of the more well-liked teammates since returning from his suspension last November.

5. It was only a matter of time before Scott Wedgewood had a bad game. And that’s not by any means an insult. He’s played every game and did an admirable job of filling in as the starter. These games happen.

If Blackwood isn’t ready to play this weekend, I’d reward Miner by giving him the start in Boston. Jared Bednar said after the game that he hasn’t yet decided if Blackwood will make the trip. So, I guess that means there’s a chance?

6. The Hurricanes scored a shorthanded goal, and the Avs nearly had one, too, if not for Frederik Andersen. Carolina had one PP opportunity through two periods, and the Avs got consecutive shorthanded breakaways from defensemen Cale Makar and Josh Manson within seconds of each other.

7. I so badly wanted the Avs to win this game, only because I wanted to talk to Jack Drury afterward. Since it was a loss, a bunch of the guys who spoke in the morning were out of the room before media came in, and I didn’t want to bother Drury twice in a day. It’s understandable, especially for those former Hurricanes guys. They badly wanted that second point.

But anyway, if I did talk to him, I’d have asked several questions about the back-and-forth he had with Sebastian Aho all game. It felt like there was no love lost between the two former teammates. Drury was going at a bunch of the Canes all night.

8. I get what Rod Brind’Amour was trying to do by challenging the Parker Kelly goal, but I disagree entirely with him actually going through with it.

The puck absolutely went in off Kelly’s glove. There’s no denying that. But he called a timeout to take a longer look at it while strategizing how to challenge it. The “missed stoppage” decision made no sense, though. I understand what he was trying to do, but I don’t think he got the right information from his coaching staff to just let it go.

It’s a good thing the Canes killed the penalty. Otherwise, the game would’ve been much closer, much quicker. And it perhaps could have led to an Avs win regulation.

9. Gavin Brindley is getting a lot more ice time and responsibility with each passing game. He’s now a regular on PP2 and on the PK. This kid is taking every advantage of the opportunity — something that several rookies a year ago couldn’t do quite as well.

10. When Victor Olofsson finally gets a goal, I bet the floodgates open, and he goes on a tear for a few games. He had seven shots, tied with Nichushkin for the most. It’s right there for him.

Bonus 11. Both jerseys looked beautiful on the ice. I’m excited to see six more games with Nordiques colors, and I hope the Avs go back to these every once in a while in future seasons. They should do more to celebrate their Nordiques past. It can’t stop after the seven games this year.