Some thoughts on the game.
1.
Nelson has 3g + 1a in his last two games, which is great as getting him going is really important for this team. His lack of production was a source of concern before this roadtrip but he's quelled those concerns. In 8 games since the TDL he now has 3g + 3a for 6 points in 8 games. That's 31 goal and 62 point pace which is right where you'd expect him to be.
The way he's scoring his goals is encouraging too, as it's not just snipes off good looks (which you don't always get a lot of in the playoffs), but he's also scoring from smart hockey plays around the net with a tip-in against Ottawa and another deflection against Montreal. Not to mention the screen on Oettinger on Nichushkin's goal against Dallas.
The assist on Lindgren's goal was also a beauty: he first gets a good shot off, then after Lehkonen and Necas recover the puck Nelson finds the open ice and before even receiving the puck he knew where Lindgren was. He's clearly a very smart player in the OZ, and its no surprise that the goals are starting to go in.
2. The new-look 2nd line of
Lehkonen-Nelson-Necas looked great for the second game in a row, as the xGF% bears out.
The Mackinnon line was less impressive on the other hand though.
3. The
3rd period meltdown is obviously concerning, but considering that it was the 3rd game in 4 nights on a road trip it's probably somewhat understandable that they'd take their foot off the gas a little bit in a 4-1 game. In the end they deserved the win on the back of the
dominant 1st period.
4.
No injuries! Probably the most important result of the night.
5.
Special teams. Avs went 1/2 on the PP with a beautiful set play for Necas' goal. They went 4/4 on the PK. Looking good.
6.
Middleton doing his job. As Bednar said in his post game interview Middleton has been solid defensively and did his job well tonight by challenging Anderson after he was taking runs at guys. He got a bit unlucky with how the fight ended but overall he did his job.
7. Nice to see
Coyle go first and score. He's been great since the TDL but just hasn't been getting rewarded with the goals his play deserves. Perhaps sending him out first in the shootout was Bednar's way of rewarding him for his play and giving him an opportunity to get on the scoresheet.
8.
2-1-0 on a road trip against 3 playoff teams, two of which are fighting hard to cling on to wildcard spots, is a really good result. Montreal is one of the hottest teams in the league right now, so to come into their building on a Saturday night and totally dominate the first period was impressive.
9.
Colton and Malinski lead the team in 5v5 points since the deadline. Depth scoring is huge in the playoffs so hopefully they can keep it going.
10. The Avs are now 3 points back of Dallas having played two games more. Seems like home-ice in round 1 of the playoffs is a lost cause. Just gotta focus on staying healthy and finding chemistry which the Avs have done for the most part (Girard injury aside).
The Avs next 4 games are at home. Then down the stretch they have a mid-west roadtrip and a California trip either side of a VGK/VAN homestand to finish things off.
