Avs Game 13 Grades: Opportunistic win

Andrew Cogliano – B

Not much done at even strength by anyone tonight, but the penalty kill was tremendous and Cogliano is a big part of that. Had a really good shorthanded look early in the game as well. Took a tough hit along the wall, as everyone seems determined to take this guy out.

J.T. Compher – B–

Much like Cogliano, played a pretty big role on the penalty kill. He got hammered in the face-off circle at all night, but that doesn’t matter so much. It’s been interesting watching him change up techniques on his off side, where he basically turns his stick to be a lefty. Haven’t noticed that in past seasons.

Pavel Francouz – A

Finally got rewarded with a better effort defensively in front of him by his teammates. Made a huge save sliding across on Burns early in the game that set the tone for the rest of the night. Great game for him.

Dryden Hunt – C+

Much like he’s not afraid to throw his body around, he’s also not afraid to throw the puck at the net, which in his spot in the lineup, is not the worst thing in the world. The fourth line actually hit the ice in the third period, which is a step forward in a tight game.

Erik Johnson – B

Great on the penalty kill and was really solid at even strength too. With MacDermid going down early, played a lot of the left side and unlike all the other defenders, the Canes really didn’t generate anything with him on the ice.

Martin Kaut – D

Second line has stalled out hard since coming back to America, getting next to nothing going offensively and was out there for the only goal against. Only time Kaut was noticeable was on his late power play rush in the first.

Artturi Lehkonen – C

It seemed like, at first glance, he might have tipped the first Makar shot, or gotten a piece of it before it hit the boards, but I guess not. Had a great look in the second period all alone in front but got stopped by Raanta.

Kurtis MacDermid – INC

Unfortunately injured very early in the game and did not come back. Depth on defense really getting tested.

Jacob MacDonald – C

Against a really strong team, kind of held his own and forced to play a decent amount of minutes. Got some looks at the net on the power play in the spot Byram is usually in. Can’t let the pass across on the only goal by the Canes.

Nathan MacKinnon – A

Nice of him to get on the board himself after feeding everyone else on the team for goals. His playmaking hasn’t slowed down either, as Lehkonen was robbed in front after a great look by 29. Stars carried the team tonight.

Cale Makar – A

A lot of time spent in his own end but didn’t feel like the Canes got too many dangerous chances, as a lot was kept to the outside. The bank shot is hilarious only because it’s a total fluke goal, but yet Makar scored it, so you wonder…maybe not?

Josh Manson – F

Tried to dangle his way through the Canes early in the game, but all downhill from there. Two penalties, both of which were pretty obvious, and was lucky not to get another one. Ugly pinch on the Canes goal, and one you can’t make with a two-goal lead.

Jayson Megna – INC

Barely crossed the usual threshold, but can’t really grade him as he was completely invisible other than a ghastly turnover at the defensive blueline.

Alex Newhook – D

Much quieter game, where he didn’t have the puck a whole lot, didn’t attempt a shot at even strength and took an offensive zone penalty late that could have been costly.

Logan O’Connor – B

This guy sure seems to get in front of pretty much everything the other team tries to throw at the net. Great night on the penalty kill.

Sampo Ranta – C

I guess you don’t mind the penalty because it negated a scoring chance, but the chance occurred because he turned the puck over behind his own net. Nearly got his first in the third off a Hurricanes giveaway, then left the game after getting hit in the face.

Mikko Rantanen – A+

He’s been doing a lot of heavy lifting in terms of goal-scoring but decided to show MacKinnon that he’s the guy on that line who’s been known for years to be the playmaker. Beastly showing on the second Makar goal, both on the forecheck and just dealing with the chaos after, and a beautiful backhand pass to MacK for the dagger.

Evan Rodrigues – C-

His saving grace was a great night on the penalty kill because at even strength, it was not a pretty game. But on the PK he was lights out, and they’re using him quite a bit there.

Devon Toews – B

Nice little chip out on the MacKinnon goal to get it up for the break. Ate up a ton of minutes, and especially so on the penalty kill, where he was almost two minutes more than the next guy.