The Avalanche played strong defensively throughout the night with two 20 year olds on their blueline, and gave the Devils nothing on their way to a 3-0 shutout victory.
How did each player perform? Let’s find out…
Tyson Barrie (A) – Fantastic game from him at both ends. He had a completely dominant shift at one point in the third period, stealing the puck at center ice, holding the puck from multiple defenders, and creating a few offensive chances.
Francois Beauchemin (B) – Beauch was the perfect partner for Zadorov tonight, and Zadorov was good for him too, as he gave him an outlet who can move and skate the puck, like EJ can. Strong game for him tonight.
Chris Bigras (B-) – Bigras had some nervous moments with the puck, and found himself getting outmuscled in the defensive zone a bit, but the IQ and skating ability was evident. He had a terrific and subtle breakout in the second period where he took a hit to make a clear breakout pass up the middle, and jumped into the play late in the game while showing good vision on a backhand pass. Solid first game.
Blake Comeau (C) – Comeau made some good plays defensively but I thought he really struggled with the puck all night, and ruined a few breakouts.
Matt Duchene (A) – Duchene started the game off right with a perfect breakaway goal, and the top line was dominant from start to finish.
Nick Holden (A) – Made a great pass to Duchene for the opening goal, and had an empty net after joining the rush later in the first, only to miss the net. Skating looks much better this year.
Jarome Iginla (C) – Iggy is a 4th liner at this point for the Avs. I can’t imagine he’ll score a lot of goals at even strength with these linemates, but he’s not hurting the team right now.
Gabriel Landeskog (B) – The Captain set the tone on the first shift with at least two big hits, and strong work in the neutral zone to get the puck free prior to Duchene’s goal.
Nathan MacKinnon (A) – MacK was tremendous tonight, and led the Avs with a 71% possession night. He’s a real threat on the PK, and it all started with a nice poke check by him in the defensive zone.
Andreas Martinsen (D) – Martinsen was awful in the first period, with several giveaways, including a terrible pass attempt on a 2 on 1, but he started to play more physical later in the game, including taking out two Devils defenders behind the net on one hit.
Cody McLeod (D) – The 4th line was awful, and spent the majority of the night in their own end. McLeod missed a few clearing attempts that he needs to be tougher on.
John Mitchell (F) – Mitchell was the worst forward on the ice, committing multiple turnovers that led to defensive zone time. He needs to be better and carry that line.
Calvin Pickard (A) – Picks was solid all night long, and didn’t really have to make any tough saves, as the Avs didn’t give up many great scoring chances. He looked very composed in net.
Zach Redmond (D) – Redmond had a really rough first two periods, with multiple turnovers that resulted in zone time for the Devils. He needs to be better if he’s going to help out a rookie partner.
Jack Skille (C-) – Skille had the worst possession numbers on the team (29%) but I thought he was the best player on his line, which might not be saying much. He had a few chances due to his speed.
Carl Soderberg (C+) – Soderberg had a quiet night until his empty netter, but playing the shut down role, didn’t give up much defensively.
Alex Tanguay (A) – When Roy said he wasn’t happy with some of their forwards, I have to think he was looking at Tanguay, and the veteran responded with probably his best game tonight. He was moving his feet and creating chances throughout the night.
Chris Wagner (B) – Wagner probably had a lot of energy after not playing for a month, and he was strong on the forecheck and even had a few chances to score.
Nikita Zadorov (B+) – If he plays like that consistently, he’ll never go back to the AHL. He led all Avs defenders in possession (63%), was joining the rush, and used his stick really well in the defensive zone. Threw a nice big hit at the end of the game on Travis Zajac. He had some tough moments in the second, but played very well for his first game back.
The Avs head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets on Saturday night. The game starts at 5 PM MST.
