The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-4 on Saturday night at Ball Arena. The Avs entered the game sputtering somewhat, relatively unable to make headway in the Central Division.
But with the Hurricanes in town, the Avalanche had an opportunity to stack themselves up against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Avs not only faced the Canes but beat them in a convincing fashion.
Now, when I say “convincing,” I don’t mean it was a 6-1 blowout. I mean the Avs held their own and played more like a playoff team looking to win by any means necessary.
Moreover, there was something else that represented an encouraging sign: Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar led the way, as they should. MacKinnon and Makar, as team stalwarts drove the club. MacKinnon went nuts, racking up four points, including a highlight-reel goal.
Speaking of highlight reels, Makar’s goal was a beauty. It was reminiscent of the goals I grew up watching in the 80s; the kind the Wayne Gretzky used to score on hapless goaltenders.
If Saturday night’s game is any indication, it could be that the Avs have gotten over the awful speed bump that has kept them in neutral for most of the season. As lineup regulars come back from injury, the Avs could turn into one of the league’s most dangerous clubs.
As long as Makar, MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen (who had three points against the Canes) continue to be the rock-solid core, the Avs will always have a chance to win.
About the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending
Saturday night’s tilt featured Alexandar Georgiev in goal against the toughest team in the Eastern Conference. Of course, talented teams like the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins all pose significant challenges.
But if there’s one team that’s tough to beat, it’s the Hurricanes. By drawing the start against the Canes, coach Jared Bednar gave Alexandar Georgiev a strong vote of confidence. The start signaled to Georgiev that the team still believes in him.
However, the outcome was filled with mixed results.
Georgiev was brilliant in the first period, making three great saves. He then proceeded to give up a couple of relatively soft goals, before buckling down and keeping the Avs in the game.
Given how this season has gone for Georgiev, Saturday night’s balance was a positive one. But it is still not enough to squash questions about the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending. Until the Avs can get regular, reliable starts from Georgiev and Justus Annunen, there will always be questions about the need for goaltending help.
It’s still November. But believe it or not, time is beginning to run out for Colorado. The club passed a major test on Saturday night. But more consistency is needed as the clock begins to tick down into the New Year.