The Colorado Avalanche have defeated the St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Blues were able to provide a scrappy effort to steal a couple of games, but ultimately fell short. Lots of contributors stepped up in critical moments for the Avs to take that next step to advance, when some of the stars weren’t finding the scoresheet.
Nazem Kadri, who had an exceptional season got involved in a controversial moment on the ice in game 3 when he collided with goalie Jordan Binnington who ended up leaving the game due to knee injury. It was a tough play where a defender and him hit one another trying to fight for a loose puck near the crease which ended up in an unfortunate result of the goaltender having to leave the game. Kadri after the game received death threats and racist comments all over social media because of the play. It got to a point where the Avalanche organization had to get the St. Louis police involved.
Game 4 was sure to be heated with all the commotion that we had seen prior to this. Blues fans poured on the boos once Kadri touched the puck, however, this didn’t seem to affect any of his play. Nazem Kadri exploded to score a hatrick to silence the Blues and their fanbase. David Perron violently cross-checked Kadri from behind and tackled him viciously. This undisciplined act, forced him to sit for 2-minutes where Kadri converted just seconds after the penalty expired to add to the fire. The Blue completely got off their game, and it cost them to lose 6-3. Kadri wasn’t the only person to find the scoresheet as Eric Johnson, Devon Toews, and Mikko Rantanen all found twine to secure the victory on the road. Despite these efforts, Nazem Kadri was the well deserved 1st star of the night, after putting up 4-points. One of the best individual performances after having to deal with all the adversity on and off the ice.
Game 5 was a massive opportunity to eliminate the Blues once and for all on home ice. Colorado got going right away jumping to a 3-0 lead, led by Nathan MacKinnon who scored twice in the 1st period. He was contained throughout the series, but sparked early in game 5. The Captain Gabriel Landeskog added to the advantage in the 2nd period. A lead like this early, wasn’t safe. The Blue demonstrated their experience and resilience chipping away to eventually make it a 3-3 game late in the 3rd period. Tarasanko started the comeback in the 2nd period to give his club momentum. Then Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou were able to tie it late. The contest seemed to be going into overtime, but Nathan MacKinnon went coast to coast with a brilliant individual effort to score late to reclaim the lead for the hatrick with 2:46 on the clock. It seemed like the Avs had clinched the series, until Robert Thomas once again scored to force overtime. The Blue’s never say die attitude carried into the overtime frame where they were able to stun Ball Arena after Tyler Bozek potted one deep near the point to keep their season alive. A true thriller of a game that extended the series.
Game 6 was back in St.Louis. Blues were feeling good despite being down in the series. Colorado gave it everything they had in the first period, but would actually leave the 1st period down in the game after Justin Faulk ripped one by Kuemper. J.T. Compher had a response in the 2nd period after an incredible play by Josh Manson to create offense, but was quickly wiped away with a 2 on 1 opportunity where Jordan Kyrou reclaimed his clubs lead. It could have easily been a 3-1 game, but Josh Manson once again stepped up to block a shot in front of the net when Kuemper vacated his position. This kepted in a one goal game heading into the 3rd period of action. The Avs once again put on a surge that eventually equalized the game. J.T. Compher was the man again to do so for his 2nd of the game and playoffs. He’s played well throughout the postseason, but hasn’t had much to show for it on the scoresheet. Late in 3rd, in the dying seconds, it appeared to everyone watching that the game was going to head into its 3rd overtime of the series, but Darren Helm had other plans, when he took a slap shot that went off the boards to take the lead with 5.6 seconds remaining in the game. The series had been clinched and the Avalanche were advancing to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2002. An electrifying goal sealed the deal.
The Western Conference Finals will consist of a showdown between Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. The Oilers took care of business in 5 games against the Pacific Division Champs in the highly offensive Battle of Alberta. Connor McDavid and Leon Draistle have both been on different levels this postseason as they both have 26 points. Evander Kane who was acquired in the middle of year has 12 goals in the postseason. Zach Hyman, another key addition last year, has 8 goals. Colorado is going to need a great defensive strategy in order to slow down this highly powered offense. Flames who were known for their defense and goaltending, were obliterated by these 4 players. The Avs have some key players themselves as we know, so this will be an exciting series for any hockey fan to watch. Game 1 begins on Tuesday at Ball Arena.
