The Avalanche are set to resume play after taking a long break due to Covid outbreaks throughout the organization and through the league itself. This outbreak created a pause that started on December 22nd and lasted through the 28th. However, for the Avs, theirs extended until January 2nd, when they could finally take on the Anaheim Ducks. Since the lengthy break, they’ve played a total of three games, where they won all of them. Accompanying the Ducks, Avs played additionally two divisional rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets. It was a great team effort in all of these games, where two of them were highly contested and were taken late to be decided.
In the first game against the Anaheim Ducks on home ice, the Avalanche looked to be a little rusty as the team fell behind 2-0. But they were able to get their feet under them by equalizing the Ducks early in the 3rd period. Defenseman Devon Toews scored late in the 2nd, while Captain Gabriel Landeskog scored early in the 3rd to tie. The Ducks fought hard in the 3rd period, keeping the game tight until a costly turnover in the nuetral zone resulted in a game-winning goal with 1:11 remaining in the game. The turnover was created by Nathan MacKinnon, who ended up assisting Logan O’Connor on a two-on-1 opportunity. Mikko Rantanen then capped it off with an empty net goal to win the game 4-2. Mikko had a 3 point afternoon with 2 assists and a goal. Nathan MacKinnon was also involved heavily on offense by having 3 assists in the contest.
The next game was on the road in Chicago, against the Blackhawks. Erik Johnson had a monsterous game in which he was involved heavily on offense. The Avs came out strong, scoring two goals in the 1st period. Erik Johnson scored the first goal of the game from a deep shot at the point. Alex Newhook showed off his creativity with a nice backhand goal to make it 2-0. Despite this great start, the Hawks responded shortly after scoring a goal in the 2nd period by their Captain Jonathan Toews to make it 2-1. In the 3rd period, the Avs had a problem staying disciplined, giving the Hawks powerplay a chance on a five-on-three advantage. Hawks forward Alex Debrincat came out and scored 2 goals on both powerplays, making it 3-2. The Avs then showed more urgency on offense, creating great scoring chances. After a persistent effort, they finally broke through and scored the equalizer by a shot from Erik Johnson, scoring his second of the night. The contest went into extra time, so each team earned a point for their efforts. Cale Makar then ended it in dramatic fashion with a highlight-reel goal that was assisted by Nathan MacKinnon to claim the extra point and secure the win. Nazem Kadri had two assists, adding to his incredible 2021-22 campaign.
The last game that the Avalanche played was against the Winnipeg Jets at home. The Jets quickly got on the board during their early powerplay. Nazem Kadri then answered by scoring on a deflection in front of the net. It was tied at the end of the first period at one apiece. Avs offense then exploded the rest of the game, scoring 6 more goals. The big three for the Avs was the story of the game. Gabriel Landeskog had an electric night, adding a hat-trick and an assist to his totals. Mikko Rantanen had 3 points scoring a goal with 2 assists. Nathan MacKinnon had a 5 point game with 1 goal and 4 assists. This is the 3rd game in a row where he has had the game-winning assist. This is also MacKinnon’s 1st 5 point game since 2015 against the Sharks. Andre Burakovsky was also part of the fun, adding two assists. This was a dominant and gritty performance against the Jets, and they look to continue these efforts.
The Avs are currently undefeated in the year of 2022. They had some tight affairs but were able to come out on top of each one. With their two wins at home, they now tie their franchise record for consecutive home wins at 10. They look to break that record on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The last time they played, the Leafs got the best of them, but the Avs look to avenge themselves by playing a complete game. The Avs have 2 more games at home before they head on the road again to Nashville. So they hope to continue their win streak before heading away against another divisional foe.
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