Colorado Avalanche avert disaster against Canadiens with SO win

The Colorado Avalanche were on the verge of total meltdown on Saturday, blowing a 4-1 lead to the Montreal Canadiens, salvaging a 5-4 shootout win.

The Avs built up a 4-1 lead on the strength of Brock Nelson’s two points. The Avalanche were on cruise control, and then, disaster struck. The Canadiens scored 30 seconds apart to make the game close. The Avs looked like they would hang on despite the blown lead, but then gave up the equalizer.

With overtime solving nothing, it was Nelson who lifted the Avs past the Habs, salvaging the win and the two points.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the elephant in the room. The Colorado Avalanche blew a 4-1 lead to a non-playoff team. Yes, the Canadiens are holding the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, but they aren’t precisely a serious contender, at least not this season.

While it’s unfair to downplay the Canadiens’ big comeback, the fact is that the Avs can’t afford to take their foot off the gas, regardless of who they play. Failing to take every opponent seriously can lead to unexpected issues such as the averted disaster against the Canadiens.

Moving forward, the Avalanche must be serious about every game they play as each point still counts in the standings. Moreover, the Avs can’t afford to let their guard down. That attitude won’t cut it in the playoffs.

There are about a dozen games left for the Avalanche to fine-tune their game plan as they head into a likely first-round clash with the Dallas Stars.

Blue liners step up for Colorado Avalanche in win against Kraken

On a night when Cale Makar went conspicuously quiet despite playing a staggering 31 minutes, Ryan Lindgren and Sam Malinski stepped up to deliver much-needed offense from the back end.

Lindgren scored his second goal since joining the Avs. The goal was crucial as it helped the Avs build the early.

Here’s a look at the goal:

Lindgren showed great confidence in picking up the loose puck and scoring a goal-scorer’s goal. Similarly, Sam Malinski scored a key goal to open the scoring, also showing improved confidence.

Let’s look at Malinski’s tally:

The slapshot goal came on a nifty set up by Joel Kiviranta, who recognized Malinski as the trailer on the rush. Kiviranta fed Malinski the puck, leaving him open for the wicked slapper.

Moving forward, the Avs could certainly utilize key contributions from defenders, especially on nights when Makar and MacKinnon don’t blow up the scoreboard.

Another key mention goes to MacKenzie Blackwood. Blackwood didn’t have his best outing on Saturday night. But he settled down following the Habs’ equalizer, and shut the door the rest of the way.

The Avs have one of the best tandems in the league at the moment. So, it bodes well for Colorado as the season winds down and the focus shifts to the playoffs.