Colorado Avalanche: More of the Same Will Win Game 2

The Colorado Avalanche need to stick to their game and only make adjustments as they come up to take Game 2.

The Colorado Avalanche have finished one game of their first-round series against the Arizona Coyotes. After a decisive 3-0 win, they’re up a game in the series.

Colorado won the game by being relentless on Wednesday. Arizona goalie Darcy Kuemper was the only factor that kept the Coyotes in the game. The Avs had already fired around 30 shots on Kuemper when one finally squeezed past him.

If Kuemper shows a similar mettle this afternoon — and there’s no reason to think he won’t — the Avalanche will have to be similarly relentless. According to alternate captain and veteran defenseman Erik Johnson, Colorado never got down about not getting one past Kuemper. However, an opponent goalie in the zone can be a daunting obstacle to a team’s self-esteem.

The Avalanche deserve to get past the Coyotes to make the second round. No question they’re the better team — the word “powerhouse” has been bandied about by more than one worthy. However, a hot goalie can steal a series.

So, let’s see some factors to Colorado’s repeated success.

Avoid the Defense

The center of Arizona’s game is their defense. Defense, like a hot goalie, can win a series. With Colorado finishing with 40 shots in Game 1, you’d think the Coyotes’ defense wasn’t much in evidence.

It wasn’t. However, I’m sure the coach, team leaders, and defensemen themselves went over how defense broke down in Game 1. They’re not likely to let the Avs run rough shod all over them again.

So, it’ll be up to Colorado to force the issue. They have it in them to skate around the Coyotes’ defense. They’ll have to avoid a heightened defense to win today’s game.

Get MacKinnon Going

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Shockingly, superstar Nathan MacKinnon didn’t record a single shot on goal in Game 1. Obviously,that was fine since Colorado won the game. However, as much as Nazem Kadri is an X factor, MacKinnon is our MVP and number-one difference-maker.

The salad shooter approach to line-making (more on that shortly) was in evidence on Wednesday, so MacKinnon didn’t always have consistent line mates. MacKinnon adjusts, though. I’m sure we’ll see him kick up into god mode again and burn Arizona. (He did earn two assists in Game 1.)

Player Balancing

The Colorado Avalanche are a deep team. However, even the salad shooter hasn’t completely balanced out the lines yet. I have no been a fan of Vladislav Namestnikov‘s game, especially in Game 1. He started on the top line and quickly got demoted — justly. We have to remember he shrinks in the playoffs. In 25 games (I’m not counting the round robin), he earned just one goal. We can now see why.

Meanwhile, Samuel Girard needs to find his peace again. He hasn’t been his usual confident self. We all know what a force he can be when he’s feeling confident. He can make opponents look silly with his La Tornade move. I’m sure he’ll get his mojo back and soon.

How to Enjoy the Game

Time: August 14,12:00 PM MDT
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