Avs Game 61 Grades: California Dreamin'

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare – B-

Bellemare got completely robbed in the second period by Quick. He did everything right, especially on a cross-body shot like that, but Quick just got to it and stopped him. That line, once again, was surprisingly effective in terms of keeping shots down in their own end.

Ian Cole – C

Cole was at the very end of his shift when he decided to step up in the neutral zone in a somewhat risky play. It ended up working out, and the Avs got the puck to score their only goal in regulation to tie it. That pair, in general, was pretty low event, which is fine for a third pair.

J.T. Compher – D

Compher struggled in this one, and considering he played most of the game with none of the line mates he had two games ago, that’s not surprising. Took a beating in terms of shot metrics, and took a penalty late in overtime that was nearly costly.

Joonas Donskoi – C

Donskoi started on the top line, but did not finish there, as nothing was going. That’s not necessarily his fault, though. A pretty quiet game from him, but managed to finish it all in the shootout and put that game out of its misery.

Sheldon Dries – C-

Well, it’s obvious the Avs told Dries to just hit anything that moves, considering he registered six hits in seven minutes of ice time. He worked hard out there, but not a whole lot happened either way.

Pavel Francouz – A

Back to back games, admittedly against low scoring teams, but he shut it down big time, only allowing the penalty shot goal. Considering how early that one went in, it could have gone south fast, but he stood tall behind pretty limited work and gave the Kings nothing in the shootout.

Samuel Girard – C-

Girard was moved back to the natural left side tonight, and I think he’s significantly less dynamic over there, as his body isn’t as open to see the ice. That pair was the Avs worst in terms of shot metrics, and got pinned down low for some extended zone time in the third period after some poor passes.

Ryan Graves – C+

I thought Graves was having another rough game, and then he appears out of nowhere to score a goal and settles down a little bit after that. I know teams might be calling, but I can’t see the Avs trading him by Monday’s deadline.

Erik Johnson – D

I’m not a huge fan of that pairing right now, and I think EJ is just looking sloppy with the puck in the defensive zone. He sits and holds onto it too long, and got outmuscled by some smaller players tonight.

Vladislav Kamenev – F

Probably the worst player on the ice for the Avs in this one. Just looked completely unengaged. Whiffed on the puck at center ice just before the penalty shot call.

Martin Kaut – B-

Another strong game from him, if unspectacular, and the staff showing some trust in him, as he was out there in the final minute to get the game into overtime. Nearly scored the go-ahead goal late as well. Making smart decisions on the ice.

Tyson Jost – C-

I liked Jost’s start to this one, and he drew another penalty, but his game tailed off as the night went on, and that line spent the majority of the second half of the game pinned in their own end. Played a career-high 20:47 on the same day his name was mentioned in the trade rumors.

Gabriel Landeskog – C

A nice zone entry and drop to Graves for the only goal of the game for the Avs. After not picking up much of anything in terms of assists for most of the year, they’re starting to show up of late.

Nathan MacKinnon – D

I don’t know how the Avs won this one. MacKinnon had a ton of shot attempts, but they all seemed to come from less than dangerous spots on the ice, and the power play was horrific. I guess you take four points out of the two games when MacKinnon picks up nothing.

Cale Makar – C-

Makar played a ton in this one, at over 26 minutes, and registered a ton of attempts, but just didn’t seem to have his “A” game. Took a penalty after losing the puck on a power play in the second period, and as mentioned with MacK, the PP was awful. The embellishment call on him was, uh, questionable, to say the least.

Valeri Nichushkin – B

Nuke worked to get to the front of the net on the Graves goal, which caused some havoc in front of Quick, who was difficult to beat tonight. He also nearly ended it in overtime with a nice rush up the ice.

Matt Nieto – A

Nieto gets a top grade for that PK work in overtime. That got the game to the shootout for the Avs to win it all. He showed no fear, stepping in front of Martin Frk’s bomb and just taking it on the shoulder. Also had a few good stick moments on that same PK.

Logan O’Connor – B-

I really have not had much of an issue with O’Connor in his call-ups this year, and he certainly makes more sense in that role than guys like Megna and Tynan. He had some really good moments in the first, including a nice steal and shot.

Nikita Zadorov – D

Z got caught flat-footed and took the penalty that led to the penalty shot. It seemed like every pass he made was off tonight. Didn’t pass the eye test at all, but looking at the shot metrics, for the second straight night, Z was only on the ice for TWO shots on goal from the opponent at even strength. There’s just not a lot of danger happening I guess.