Avs Game 62 Grades: Holding on

Nicholas Aube-Kubel – C

The fourth line came out like gangbusters and created chaos in the offensive zone, then they didn’t get to play much together the rest of the game. Aube-Kubel got caught down low instead of on his wing on the first Sharks goal. He had a nice look for LOC in the second period that just missed.

Andre Burakovsky – C-

His only shot came on a real wonky three-on-one in the third period where he kind of skated himself out of a good chance. Not a great game otherwise, and an offensive zone penalty to boot.

J.T. Compher – B+

From the start of the game, he was solid. It started with a great play to take a hit and feed Helm for a good shorthanded chance, and his strong play continued through the night.

Pavel Francouz – C

The second goal was ugly, look away shot for sure but he didn’t pick a corner or anything, it just went right through Frankie. Got beat early in the game and it got called back for being offside (correctly)and got bailed out by a post as well.

Darren Helm – A

From start to finish, was a difference-maker at even strength and on the penalty kill. Started with a good PK chance and ended up scoring a highlight-reel goal himself. Took a puck to the face in the second and barely seemed phased by it.

Erik Johnson – C-

Pratt leaned on the top pair again down the stretch, and EJ really struggled with getting some clean clears, none of which was more evident than on the Karlsson goal. Makar has now taken EJ’s spot on the top penalty-killing unit and to protect late leads. Going to be interesting to watch how this defense unfolds down the stretch.

Jack Johnson – C-

Took another penalty where it looked like he was getting beat a bit wide, which has happened a bit more of late. Like EJ, his role is dwindling.

Nazem Kadri – C

Nice to see him get back on the scoresheet, but at even strength, the second line was pretty much quiet in terms of creating much of anything offensively. Happy he wasn’t hurt or anything on that weird collision with Karlsson late.

Kurtis MacDermid – A

Well, he came out and hit everything and everyone early in the game, and manhandled Middleton in the “fight”. After that, he barely played, but he did exactly what he was asked to do.

Nathan MacKinnon – B+

Other than a few fumbles of the puck here and there, I liked his game a lot, and actually felt like he was competing hard defensively too. A kind of quiet three-assist night, and some very unselfish play on the empty netter.

Cale Makar – A-

Defensively he started slow but picked it up big time as the game went on. What can’t he do? He’s out protecting the lead late over some of the defensive guys they have, and he’s earned that. Beyond another three points, threw a big hit at the defensive blue line in the third.

Josh Manson – C

We’re going to have to live with the penalties like his in the first. Those happen with him and his aggressive playstyle. Felt like a little bit of a step back from his first game but it’s all still an adjustment.

Ryan Murray – B-

Right now my only issue with him is some panic icings of the puck. Beyond that, he’s still playing really solid and was far and away the #3 guy in terms of even-strength time on ice on the defense.

Alex Newhook – B+

Couldn’t find the back of the net, but led the team in even-strength shots on goal and shot attempts. That line only really had one bad shift that came in the third period, but otherwise spent the majority of the game in the offensive zone.

Valeri Nichushkin – A

Well, maybe he’ll not try to block a shot with his open palm, but beyond that, a great night. It’s funny because a few years ago, I would probably have said it doesn’t matter if his hands hurt, he doesn’t use them much. Now, he’s suddenly found a scoring touch and needs those hands.

Logan O’Connor – C+

Had a nice cut to the net in the third period that, predictably, didn’t result in a goal, but a solid night on the penalty kill gets him a decent grade.

Mikko Rantanen – C

I don’t know what the hell happened in the third period. He had dominant moments in the first two periods, including some spinning puck protection prior to Nuke’s first goal, but in the last ten minutes, his brain kind of shut off. Trying to do a little too much with the empty net.

Nico Sturm – B+

Really liked him in his debut. Offensively, I don’t think there’s much there, but really smart defensively, was always covering for pinching defensemen and was solid on the penalty kill. Good in the face-off circle as well. I got real Jay McClement vibes from him, and I was a fan of his.

Devon Toews – B

Solid night with some good stick work, including some nice steals on the penalty kill, one of which led to a good chance of his own. Top pair is being leaned on heavily right now.