Colorado Avalanche: Fun at 2017 IIHF Worlds

In addition to doing well at the 2017 IIHF Worlds, Colorado Avalanche players are having some fun.

Colorado Avalanche players continue to do well at the 2017 IIHF World Championships.

Center Nathan MacKinnon is the tournament leader in goals with five. He’s second only to Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin (Team Russia) in points — seven (5 goals, 2 assists) vs nine (3 goals, 6 assists.)

Here’s one of his prettiest goals:

Defenseman Tyson Barrie isn’t too far behind MacKinnon. He’s fourth in the tournament with two goals and five assists. Apparently he and MacKinnon are enjoying their tournament together:

Goalie Calvin Pickard enjoyed a shut out against Belorussia. Granted he had to stop only 13 shots in the whole game vs 13 shots a period, but still.

That means Pickard is not only having a good tournament this year, but in his career.

As far as center Matt Duchene goes… well, he’s teamed up with his old Colorado Avalanche linemate Ryan O’Reilly. Unfortunately, the two aren’t finding the chemistry they used to. At least Duchene looks good with his fellow Avs buddies:

Although it appears the Colorado Avalanche luck — or lack thereof — has followed the guys to Europe. I mean, really? Lost luggage? Can nothing go the Avalanche’s way?

Well, at least rookie J.T. Compher is having a good tournament, though his Team USA is ranked third in Group A with two wins and one loss. Granted he has just one point, a goal, but it’s a game-winner.

IIHF Worlds is having some fun with its power rankings.

Now, that Matt Duchene observation is brutal — apparently goalie Lars Haugen got a point. Anyway, that MacKinnon blerb is, yes, sweet.

The previous power rankings is actually a little funnier:

Yes, there are four Colorado Avalanche players on Team Canada. However, check out that Slovakia description. It relates to the fact that the Slovaks beat Italy in overtime. However, the official proceeded to play the Slovenian nation anthem:

Now, I’ve been to both Slovakia and Slovenia. They’re very different countries. Slovenia, once part of Yugoslavia, is a coastal country. Slovakia, once part of Czechoslovalia, is a continental country… ok, there are some distinct similarities.

Anyway, the poor Slovaks — they look so confused!

The four Colorado Avalanche players joined their countrymen in exploring Paris. France.

Look at MacKinnon and Barrie being besties in the center.

Next: Avs Strong Play at Worlds

Colorado Avalanche players will continue to play in the preliminary rounds tomorrow. Mikko Rantanen and Team Finland are facing Slovenia (not Slovakia, I’m sure of it).  JT Compher and Team USA are taking on Italy.