The Colorado Avalanche looked like a dominant, powerhouse club in their 4-1 win over the LA Kings in their season opener at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.
While the Kings hung tough, they couldn’t hold off the Avalanche’s big stars. Martin Necas scored twice, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar had two assists apiece, and Artturi Lehkonen scored a big goal.
But beyond the big stars getting it done, three unsung heroes stood out as ones who led the Colorado Avalanche to their first win of the season.
3 unsung Colorado Avalanche heroes from first victory of the season
Scott Wedgewood
Backup goalie Scott Wedgewood was asked to step into the season opener amid MacKenzie Blackwood’s ongoing ailments.
Wedgewood didn’t just step in and hold the fort. He was fantastic at various points in the game. The most significant moment came in the third period when the Kings had a 5-on-3 power play.
Yes, the Kings scored to break the shutout. But the game could have been much closer if not for Wedgewood’s composed presence during that sequence. Having a solid goaltender like Scott Wedgewood could make Blackwood’s absence a little easier to navigate this season.
Brent Burns
Questions may have emerged about how well Brent Burns would hold up at the ripe old age of 40. Those questions were quickly brushed aside on Tuesday night. Burns played over 20 minutes over 25 shifts. He registered three shots on goal and three blocks.
Bruns looked locked in throughout the game. He looks like a man on a mission. That mission is winning his first career Stanley Cup.
If Burns can keep up this type of intensity and effort throughout the season, he could end up having the most remarkable season for a 40+ NHLer.
A shutout goes to Sam Malinski, who scored his first goal of the season. He had a solid game in over 13 minutes of ice time. Malinski continues to grow in his development as a bona fide NHL blueliner.
Gavin Brindley
Gavin Brindley’s inclusion in the Opening Night lineup was a mild surprise to Avalanche fans. While he’s the organization’s top prospect, he could have been displaced by other, more experienced players.
Instead, the Avalanche brought Brindley into the lineup on Opening Night, and well, he was off to the races.
Brindley had the lowest ice time of all 12 Avalanche forwards on the night. He only played 7:50 for the game, but impressed enough. His hustle, effort, and tenacity were on full display. He had a couple of decent scoring chances, narrowly missing his first tally.
At this rate, Brindley could earn a permanent lineup spot. Potentially, Brindley could climb up the depth chart as the season wears on.
Brindley should get another shot on Thursday as the Avalanche host the Utah Mammoth at Ball Arena.