The Colorado Avalanche need to focus on tonight’s game, which is a chance for certain players to prove themselves against a good opponent.
The Colorado Avalanche are probably getting Stadium Series fever. However, they can’t forget about tonight’s game against a very good team, the Washington Capitals.
The Capitals aren’t coming in very hot, having dropped the last two games, at home no less. However, in the Nathan MacKinnon era — not that it rests with him, but that’s our current era — Colorado has gone just 4-7-2 against the Caps. They haven’t beaten the Caps in Colorado since November 16, 2017.
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So, not only are the Avalanche facing a ticked off Washington team, but they’re facing a hungry Russian. Alexander Ovechkin is chasing 700 goals. He’s been stuck at 698 for the last two games.
A lot of people, including our own Peter McNab, would like to see Overchkin reach 700 in Pepsi Center. I saw Jarome Iginla reach #600 at Pepsi Center. I’m all set on milestones, thanks. Unless the score is 6-0 with under five remaining, no way, no how do I want Ovi to score two goals against Colorado.
That said, here are four players — all Avalanche — whom I’d like to see have a big night so they can prove their mettle.
JT Compher
The big news in Avs Nation is that Nazem Kadri is out 4 – 6 weeks with a lower body injury. J.T. Compher has been slotted into his second-line center position.
Compher’s name didn’t appear on the score sheet in his first trial run at that position. Right now he’s at 25 points (8 goals, 17 assists). Today is a chance for him to show a little more scoring prowess.
Tyson Jost
Tyson Jost saw increased ice time in the game against Ottawa. He even randomly got some penalty kill time. He played a really upbeat game and was responsible at both ends of the ice.
And he continues to be snake-bitten. For a young man who works harder than anyone else — the Avs reported he practiced the longest at yesterday’s optional skate, which is his habit — he’s just not getting rewarded.
That reward will come. I hope it comes tonight.
Cale Makar
Stud rookie Cale Makar has nothing to prove — except that he’s better than Quinn Hughes. I want our uber-talented rookie defenseman to have a killer night that puts him tops in the rookie scoring race.
Goalie
Colloquial wisdom has starter Grubauer playing in Saturday’s outdoor game. So, you’d expect the backup to play tonight.
Whether it’s Philipp Grubauer or Pavel Francouz in net tonight, I want him to disappoint Ovechkin. See above about not caring to see Ovi get goal #700 in Pepsi Center.
How to Enjoy the Game
Game Time: Feb. 13, 7:30 pm MT
TV: ALT, NBCSN, ESPN+, SN360, SNE, SNP, NBCSWA
Radio: Altitude Radio (FM 92.5/AM 950)
The game was delayed by 30 minutes so it could be televised nationally. Ovi Watch and all. Here’s to disappointing millions of hockey fans with a resounding Colorado Avalanche win.