Avalanche Have Plenty to Like Despite Loss to Jets

The Colorado Avalanche dropped their second preseason game 3-1 on Monday night, facing the Winnipeg Jets.

On the surface, the loss was a bitter defeat to a division rival. But when looking under the hood, there’s plenty to like despite the final score.

Let’s dig in.

Predominantly AHL Avalanche lineup held its own

The lineup that Colorado dressed for the game against the Jets was more of the Colorado Eagles with a sprinkling of the Avalanche.

The top line of Taylor Makar, Fedor Svechkov, and Nic Roy is hardly one that the Avalanche would roll with, at least in the top six, during a regular-season game.

The rest of the lineup featured bubble guys and players that will likely be heading down to the Eagles later this week.

The good news is that the Avalanche weren’t necessarily outplayed despite Winnipeg dressing most of its NHL lineup. The Avs faced Jets’ starter Stuart Skinner, running into a bit of a brick wall. But that’s fine, especially when considering that virtually all of Colorado’s top offensive players got the night off.

Merkulov scores crucial goal

Georgii Merkulov, a free-agent signing this summer, scored a crucial goal in the game. The goal in and of itself wasn’t necessarily a crucial event in the game. While it broke the shutout, the goal was key for Merkulov.

The Boston Bruins let the 25-year-old go this summer after putting up 24 goals and 61 points in 70 AHL games. He appeared in just one NHL game, failing to register on the scoresheet.

Now, it’s not that Merkulov will necessarily make the Avalanche, but he’s the sort of depth forward the Avs really need at this point. If injuries become an issue, the club will need someone to call up at one point or another.

So, you have to think that scoring in this game will do well for his standing with the club and his confidence as a whole.

Nabokov gets another look in the crease

Ilya Nabokov played his second game in as many nights. The star prospect took over for Scott Wedgewood and proceeded to surrender two goals on the night.

Considering the AHL-heavy lineup in front of him, Nabokov did very well.

The Avalanche are evidently giving Nabokov every chance to make an impression at camp this season. Of course, it’s highly unlikely he’ll make the team unless one of Wedgewood or MacKenzie Blackwood sustains an injury. And while Nabokov should start the season in the AHL, his performance thus far in the preseason has been impressive. There has been nothing but positive press for the 23-year-old. So, there may be an argument to potentially give the Russian netminder a serious look.

For now, it’s encouraging to see that the Avalanche have two NHL-caliber goalies in the AHL, Trent Miner and Nabokov.

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