Avs Game 48 Grades: Return of the Gru

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare – A

One thing is apparent: Bellemare plays much better with two speedy wingers around him. That’s not how he’s built, so having two linemates that can help with retrieval is huge for him. Fourth line was great. His shot share numbers were out of control, and the PK was solid.

Andre Burakovsky – C

Thought he was just okay on the Jost line. He had one really good chance in the first period that he airmailed but didn’t notice him a ton. I don’t like him as much on the left wing as I do on his off-side.

J.T. Compher – B

Saw some complaining about him on social media again, but I liked what he was doing. No real finish on plays, but good on the penalty kill and that line provided the best shift of the game late in the third.

Joonas Donskoi – B

The rust started to show up more and more as the game went on, including him just falling all over the ice the final 10 minutes of the game, but he started out strong and liked him more than his center. Failed to bury some good chances on the power play, though.

Samuel Girard – B-

He’s been a little lax behind his own net, and had a few scary moments against the Sharks, but was solid overall. Now, however, we wait for word on his health. The replay of the injury didn’t look pretty, and when a player slams their stick against the boards leaving the ice, it might not be all great news.

Ryan Graves – INC

Left early in the game and didn’t come back. Took an elbow the face. Tough to lose two defensemen in one game with Byram and Johnson already missing. Team can’t really afford to lose too many more guys back there.

Philipp Grubauer – A+

Glad that guy is back. You could tell the team was more relaxed with him back there. He had to make a few strong saves late, but for the most part, just calmed the team down, and that’s pretty important.

Tyson Jost – B

Made a crazy play in the offensive zone trying to hit Soderberg in front of the net in the second period, and felt like he and Nichushkin, once again, got things going with the team early, providing some energy when the team came out a little slower. Got bailed out by the offside call on the no-goal.

Nazem Kadri – C-

Still one too many times where he tried to dangle through the defenders rather than look to make the easier play, but did notice him trying to use his linemates a little bit more. Would like to see him back with Burakovsky.

Gabriel Landeskog – B+

These tips in front of the net are way too easy for him. It’s not as easy as he makes it look, I swear. I also truly believe that if the Girard injury had happened any earlier in the game, he would be the guy they’d move back to defense.

Nathan MacKinnon – B

Loses his scoring streak, but doesn’t mean he didn’t play well. Looked happy to have Mikko back, especially on the powerplay. I love him standing up for his teammate at the end, but seeing him look at his hands after the fight is a little terrifying. A zero shot on goal, 1 shot attempt night from MacKinnon might literally never happen again.

Cale Makar – A+

Put on a show tonight, dominating from start to finish. His shift in the third period where he had several shot attempts and created even more chances was a sight to behold, and he got a standing ovation from the fans in the crowd.

Patrik Nemeth – C-

An absolute mess with the puck, but strong down low and a huge block on the penalty kill late. I guess I’ll take that. Seemed to be better when they went down to four defenders.

Valeri Nichushkin – B-

Like Jost, really got things going early with strong forecheck and hard work. Great night on the penalty kill as well.

Mikko Rantanen – A

He looked somewhat rusty as the night went on, but what a difference he makes on the powerplay. Quick decisions with the puck that make life hard on the defenders, and easier for guys like Makar with more room to move. Didn’t miss the sticks shattering every period though.

Kiefer Sherwood – B+

Another great game from him, full of energy and shot attempts. A breakaway coming out of the penalty box is a dream scenario, but he’s just lacking finish at the moment. Doing everything else right.

Carl Soderberg – C+

He really has been Bednar’s Swiss army knife since showing up, playing every position it seems, and when MacKinnon went out, slotted right into the top line spot and made a great play on the empty netter. Offensive zone penalties have to stop though.

Conor Timmins – A

Wow. What a 180 from early in the year. Looks supremely confident, screaming for Rantanen to pass him the puck as he jumped into the play late for a mini-breakaway. Injuries create opportunity, and right now, he’s running with that opportunity.

Devon Toews – B+

Ate a lot of minutes again with defenders missing time, and looked solid. Passed up some shot opportunities but a steady, seemingly mistake-free game.