The Colorado Avalanche went 3-1-1 in their most recent 5 game road trip. The road trip consisted of lots of adversity dealing with more injuries which included Goalie Darcy Kuemper missing every game except the last one against the Rangers. Kuemper hasn’t been over the top amazing this year, posting a save percentage (SV%) of .902 and goals against average (GAA) of 2.86. However, he has a winning record of 10-5-0. Much thanks to the Avs offense that scores an average of 4.3 goals per game which is first in the NHL.
To fill in for Darcy Kuemper at the beginning of the road trip was Goalie Jonas Johansson, who had a massive workload having to play back-to-back days without rest. Johansson had a tough first game of the road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs, losing 8-3, but quickly bounced back against the Montreal Canadiens with a 4-1 victory. He then started the third game against the struggling Ottawa Senators but was later replaced by Justus Annunen, making his first career appearance after allowing 4 goals on 16 shots.
The Avs would go on to come back after being down 5-2 to force overtime but lost 6-5, earning a point. Johansson’s record is 3-2-1 but has a save percentage (SV%) of .885 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.78, which aren’t exactly the best numbers.
Justus Annunen started his first game against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he ended up winning and having a primary assist to Cale Makar. The Avs offense once again exploded, winning the game 7-5, after a 4 goal first period. In his first win, he had a save percentage (SV%) of .863, once again relying on the offense to compensate.
Despite the goalie complications, the Avs had to deal with other injuries, including Forward J.T. Compher, D-man Bo Byram, and D-man Ryan Murray. The Avs were able to continue to win games during this road trip without these key contributors, including an impressive win against the hot New York Rangers, who are 2nd in the Metropolitan division. Once again the Avs had another great offensive performance winning 7-3. However, an area of concern is that Nazem Kadri left the game and wouldn’t return for the rest of it due to a lower-body injury. He is currently day-to-day. Aside from this, the Avs look forward to having J.T. Compher back from the IR for Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
This road trip tested a lot with the goalie situation. However, they had great contributions from Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, Nazem Kadri, and Val Nichushkin scoring a bunch during this road trip. It was also great for them to get Nathan MacKinnon back who provided lots of assists for his teammates. Honorable mentions from this road trip included Alex Newhook and Logan O’Connor. Alex Newhook had an incredible individual effort goal against the Ottawa Senators which helped spark the comeback. Logan O’Connor had two goals in 22 seconds against the New York Rangers including a highlight reel toe-drag goal.
The Avalanche’s efforts have allowed them to climb back to 2nd in the Central Division now. They’re now home at Ball Arena with Darcy Kuemper back for a 3 game homestand starting Friday, against their old time rival Detroit Red Wings. Avs hope to take advantage with the Avs faithful in attendance.
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