Avs Game 18 Grades - That's Called a Winning Streak

The Colorado Avalanche recovered after a late tying goal, and beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime, giving them their first winning streak since the first two games of the year.

How did each player perform?  Let’s find out…

Tyson Barrie (C-) – It was nice for him to get on the scoresheet, even if he got a little lucky with the goaltender just missing it, but the Avs got pounded with him on the ice.  Columbus attempts 79 shots overall on 5 on 5, and Barrie was on the ice for 40 of them, despite starting more shifts in the offensive zone than any other Avs player.  He needs to be better.

Francois Beauchemin (C-) – A sloppy game for Beauch, like it was for most of the Avs defensemen.  A few icings, and lost his man in front a few times.

Rene Bourque (D) – Did not notice Bourque a whole lot tonight, other than in front on Barrie’s floater.  A lot of Avs forwards had quiet nights.

Blake Comeau (C+) – A bit of a step back for Comeau, but I would say he was still one of the stronger forwards on the team tonight.

Matt Duchene (C+) – Nice game winner for him in his first game back, but he looked tentative the rest of the evening.  Hoping it’s just shaking off the rust.

A.J. Greer (C+) – Another solid game for Greer, who was on the ice really late in the game protecting the lead.  Could that be a sign he’s sticking around a while?

Mikhail Grigorenko (D) – Did Grigo even play?  I don’t even remember seeing him with the puck once.

Jarome Iginla (C+) – I’ve liked Iggy’s play since being put on the line with Mitchell and Comeau.  I’m crossing my fingers, hoping that he can keep it up.

Erik Johnson (B-) – EJ got his first goal of the year on his millionth shot, and made a terrific play on the overtime winner.  Still, stop sliding on the ice, EJ!  He took himself out of the play on the game tying goal with a slide.

Nathan MacKinnon (C) – Nate had a very quiet game after beasting for a few.  Still, he made a terrific pass to EJ on his goal, so he gets to keep some momentum going.

Andreas Martinsen (D+) – Marty has had a great start to the year, but he looked really out of place on the top line tonight, in my opinion.  It didn’t help that the Avs couldn’t get anything going all night, but he needs to set the tone with his forecheck.

Cody McLeod (D) – I don’t get why he’s in the lineup over Colborne, who admittedly, hasn’t been very good himself.  I hope that changes next game.

John Mitchell (C) – Mitchell had a few moments tonight where he refused to shoot the puck, which he is one to do, but he was getting the puck down to the other end of the ice a decent amount compared to his teammates.

Mikko Rantanen (C+) – He’s kind of a wizard on the power play, and seeing the Avs give him the job of QB’ing it so quickly is great.  I do wish he would shoot it more.

Carl Soderberg (C-) – I’m just hoping he starts to string together a few good games in a row to get something going.  He was good last game, but took a step back tonight.

Fedor Tyutin (C) – The first CBJ goal was his lack of puck moving ability showing up, but he was quiet and steady the rest of the night, I thought.

Semyon Varlamov (A+) – Without a doubt the best player on the ice, and he won the game for the Avs.  Very smart play by him to let the refs know his helmet was busted just prior to the game winner.  Both CBJ goals went off Avs players, which has happened a lot to him.

Patrick Wiercioch (C) – He was the only Avs defenseman who didn’t get smoked at 5 on 5, and seemed to have a quiet night overall.

Nikita Zadorov (C-) – He had a rough first, like most of the team, but picked it up a lot after that, and got involved more offensively in the second period.  Playing with Beauchemin might give him more of a chance to join the rush.

The Avs head home on Wednesday night to take on the Edmonton McDavid’s.  The game starts at 8 PM MST.