Avs Game 69 Grades: "Nice" win

Nicolas Aube-Kubel – C+

The third line got caved in for the first half of the game before really turning it around, but boy, you never get a chance to skate into a slapshot as NAK did on his goal. He sure took advantage of it.

Andre Burakovsky – D+

Had two horrendous turnovers in the defensive zone, one that led to a goal against and another a mini breakaway. That sort of stuff can’t happen playing on the top line. Had some decent moments offensively but just has to clean up the play with the puck in big minutes.

Andrew Cogliano – B

The fourth line did exactly what they were asked to do. Played heavy, hard minutes and spent as much time in the offensive zone as they could. Has immediately moved to the top PK unit with Sturm.

J.T. Compher – B+

Moving him to the second line was a bit of surprise, but that line had a clear goal to make things difficult for the Penguins, and they did. Played tough defensively, great blocked shot at the end of the game, and had a nice setup to Lehkonen in the second period.

Darren Helm – B

Loved the big hit in the third along the wall. You can tell he’s playing extra hard as things have gotten closer to the playoffs. The penalty call is what it is, it’s just hard to tell what the standard is at that point in the game.

Erik Johnson – B-

Had a couple of great effort plays in the third period to get the puck out of the zone, and even one on the penalty kill where he chipped it in down low and chased to kill time.

Jack Johnson – B+

Really not sure how they take him out of the lineup if this defense ever gets healthy. He’s leaned on big time, playing almost 23 minutes as far and away the #3 guy on defense. The only defenseman to finish positive in shot share.

Darcy Kuemper – A-

Tough rebounds on both goals and his willingness to keep play going sometimes gets the team in trouble, but big-time game from him, as he was dynamite in the first period when the Avs were pretty loose defensively.

Artturi Lehkonen – B+

Today was probably the biggest glimpse into what is to come with Lehkonen. Relentless on the forecheck, quick passes, and plenty of shot volume. He probably won’t finish a ton but he fits in the system perfectly.

Kurtis MacDermid – D

Once again, barely played and the Avs only attempted one shot with him on the ice. His attempted rush up the ice and failed deke in the third was pretty funny.

Nathan MacKinnon – B

Super high event game for him on both ends of the ice, going head to head against his buddy. The first assist of his was classic MacKinnon, pushing the defense back and finding the late guy. Not sure if he meant to intentionally shoot it wide on the game-winner but it worked. Did pretty well in the face-off circle against a tough guy in Crosby.

Cale Makar – B-

Didn’t love his game defensively in the first period, but got better as the night went on. 28 minutes of almost pure even-strength time is crazy.

Josh Manson – B

Looks a lot better playing with a puck mover in Toews, so you can get a glimpse of what it will be like when Byram or Girard is paired with him. Very tough to play against in a playoff atmosphere. That’s what they got him for.

Alex Newhook – C+

Picked up a nice assist, even though he lost the puck, but it worked out for him. That line just didn’t create much in terms of offense overall but was fine defensively, keeping a lot to the outside. Would like to see him create more for himself.

Valeri Nichushkin – A-

Another monstrous game on the forecheck, and created a good amount for himself, including a great rush up the ice and through the defenders for a near diving goal in the third. Best shot share numbers on the team.

Logan O’Connor – C+

Did a poor job eating the puck along the walls at the end of the second period, but liked his game on the forecheck for the entirety of the game.

Mikko Rantanen – B+

Interesting to see him do work on the national stage when some eyes may be on him that haven’t seen him before. He was tough to play against, particularly in the second half of the game, and the goal right in front of the net is what is needed come postseason time.

Nico Sturm – C+

First assist in an Avs uniform, and high effort at all times, including some diving work in the neutral zone on a NAK rush in the third.

Devon Toews – A-

Put on a clinic at times defensively, particularly with the work to stop Crosby on the two on one in the second period. Game-winning goal where he’s just casually sitting below the dots in a tie game late. That’s what he does.