Recap: Avalanche cruise to 5-2 win over Red Wings

1 week ago  /  Mile High Hockey

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images


Another great start to a homestand. Following a successful road trip to eastern Canada, the Colorado Avalanche returned home to face the Detroit Red Wings. Both teams were in search of a win with playoff implications. Colorado carried their momentum from the road and gave a setback to another bubble playoff team in this 5-2 victory.
The Game
It was the visitors who opened the scoring on just their second shot of the game. Old friend JT Compher netted a power play goal at 6:00. The lead was short lived, however, as just 44 seconds later Cale Makar’s point shot deflected off the backside of a Red Wings defenseman and there was some confusion as to if Val Nichushkin gave a light tap to get the puck in the net. Ultimately the goal was credited to Makar but Nichushkin wasn’t done, though, and got his goal back when he pounded home a rare net-front goal at 12:54 to give Colorado the lead.
After a cautious start to the second period for both teams the Avalanche cashed in on a power play from Devon Toews at 4:39. That put the Avalanche up 3-1 and that’s how the second period ended with Colorado comfortably in the lead.
To punctuate the win, Nathan MacKinnon got in on the action at 8:34 with a power play goal of his own. Austin Watson got Detroit within two at 16:53 but Logan O'Connor fresh off a scratch quickly erased and momentum with an empty net goal at 17:56. It was a pretty easy 5-2 win for Colorado when all said and done.

Takeaways
Colorado continues to be trouble for teams on the playoff bubble and Detroit was the latest victim. Even though the game wasn’t as lopsided as previous affairs with a 28-23 shot advantage for Colorado, it’s the fact that it is difficult to take momentum away from them when they have it.
Sam Girard was somewhat of a surprise returning to the lineup after a two-game absence while Erik Johnson sat out the contest. Recalled Jacob MacDonald didn’t play nor get added to the lengthy list of players suited up for the Avalanche this season but there’s still time to reach 50. Girard was able to take his usual minutes and role, so hopefully what ails him isn’t a concern moving forward.
Upcoming
A date with the LA Kings on Thursday, March 27th at 8:00 p.m. MT....

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