Avs Game 53 Grades: Just enough to get by

Nicholas Aube-Kubel – D+

Just a wildly inconsistent game. Had some horrendous turnovers, both in the offensive zone and in the defensive zone, and then also had a steal that led to a great chance for Newhook in the second. Been a dip in his play of late and his minutes are suffering because of it.

Andre Burakovsky – C+

Burky’s ability to score from anywhere came in clutch this game because the Avs really didn’t get that many good scoring chances, so they needed to bury some chances that weren’t elite. Really didn’t do a ton offensively but did just enough.

J.T. Compher – C+

Followed up a strong game with just an “okay” one, but scored the massive goal to tie things up late by just crashing the net. He’s starting to be a bit more of a pain for the opposing team.

Samuel Girard – C-

Really was not a huge fan of his game overall. He had some tough turnovers throughout the game, including an ugly one in the first period where he stood behind his net and tried to go up the middle but passed it right to Vegas. Did get an assist on the Burky goal.

Darren Helm – D

Two straight games that he’s gotten buried in shot attempts, but the fourth line has no consistency right now because they don’t trust MacDermid to play at all.

Erik Johnson – D

Really struggled, and had a horrendous first period. Got beat wide on his first shift, and had multiple turnovers throughout the game. It’s pretty telling that he didn’t even hit 10 minutes of even-strength time on ice. His soft shot got blocked with ease to give Vegas the breakaway in the first.

Jack Johnson – B+

Wasn’t always pretty but I loved his game overall. Nice to see him pick up an assist, and liked how he moved towards the center of the ice to throw off the Vegas forward who was covering him. Had a great play in the first period where he tossed Eichel off the puck for a breakout.

Nazem Kadri – B

The second line was the only line to exit their zone with any consistency and gain the offensive zone with consistency. Had some nice setups tonight, including one for Nichushkin in this second.

Darcy Kuemper – B+

Avs gave up a lot of high-end chances against Vegas, and Kuemper sure helped keep the game close in the first period, despite giving up a few goals against. A strong game from him coming off a good rest.

Gabriel Landeskog – B

Penalty aside, another great game from Landeskog. Battled down low, and the only time the first line looked dangerous in the first two periods were the rare times Landy got put back with them.

Kurtis MacDermid – INC

I guess I get why they put him in against Vegas, but against a good team like that, his lack of ability is really on display. Didn’t even play four minutes.

Nathan MacKinnon – C

Vegas played him really tough and didn’t give him anything 59 minutes of the game. You could tell he was getting frustrated. All he needed was one shot, and that’s what he got in the third period. Wanted to see him wire it more on the PP, especially given how tough Vegas played him at even strength.

Cale Makar – C

He had to power through it playing over 27 minutes, but it wasn’t always pretty, that’s for sure. Eichel stole the puck from him late in the Avs end and he had to get bailed out. Great read to jump into the play on the game-winner after causing the Vegas turnover to start the rush.

Ryan Murray – C

He continues to just randomly appear in the play offensively. He usually doesn’t do much but had a nice chance on a wrap around in the second period. Telling that he played more than EJ by a good bit at even strength.

Alex Newhook – B+

Another great game, and once again, had a lot of jump from beginning to end. For the second night in a row, got a lot of double shifting with MacDermid sitting a lot. Incredible feed on the Burakovsky goal, and had a few good looks in the second period.

Valeri Nichushkin – B+

Really strong game, and along with Newhook, had a few good chances at even strength that he just couldn’t bury. Loved watching him overpower Stephenson in the third on the penalty kill to clear the puck.

Logan O’Connor – C+

Great feed on the Compher goal to hit Johnson at the point. Did like seeing him try to throw his body around a few times in the second period, but didn’t connect on them. He needs to play tenacious like that, though.

Mikko Rantanen – D+

Got robbed in the second period on the power play and snapped his stick in frustration. Did pick up an assist on the game-winning goal, but was neutralized most of the evening. The penalties are starting to get a little annoying, as refs are watching him very closely. He’s been very, uh, aggressive with his stick work this year.

Devon Toews – C-

Not a single shot attempt from Toews in nearly 29 minutes of play, which is a very rare thing from him. Eating a ton of minutes was the most important part of his night because it wasn’t his best outing. A tough turnover on the second Vegas goal in the neutral zone.