Avs Game 74 Grades: Devilish Dub

Nicolas Aube-Kubel – B

Another solid game from Aube-Kubel, even if it didn’t net two goals. Had a few good chances in front of the net and I remember one from the slot. Doing what he can to show he will be a viable option if needed in the postseason.

Andre Burakovsky – B

Most of Burky’s goals look very cool, but none of them have ever had the opposing player trying to knock the net off. All of a sudden he’s ripping it, and with four shots at even strength, led the team.

Bowen Byram – C-

Took some big hits, including one behind the net from Greer, that leave you wincing, but he didn’t miss a beat. Went on a little adventure on the only goal by the Devils, something he mentioned he wanted to clean up a bit.

Andrew Cogliano – C+

Super low event, and didn’t contribute anything in terms of shots on net himself. Took the penalty on the backcheck in the third which you don’t want to see, but he really is a coach’s dream on the fourth line with pure hustle.

J.T. Compher – C

The second line center thing has faded pretty fast, as the lack of offense is starting to show from Compher at center, and was on the ice for the goal against.

Pavel Francouz – B

Got some luck on a few posts where he looked a little out of position, but hey, they didn’t go in so it doesn’t count. The exact type of win you want from your backup on the second half of a back-to-back.

Samuel Girard – B+

I really love how Sam looks since coming back, as he seems to have an extra jump in his step. It’s not perfect, and his shot never gets through, but he’s pushing the play and skating a lot. He’s already formed a decent combo with Manson on the second pair. Had a great odd-man rush breakup in the first.

Darren Helm – B-

Liked the decision to just toss it at the net on the opening goal. Got a good bounce for a rebound and a goal. Took a big hit in the second and seemed to be hurting from it.

Erik Johnson – C

Looked a bit slower tonight on the second half of the back-to-back. Threw a nice hit on Graves in the third period, though.

Artturi Lehkonen – A

Some great passes all night, including the feed to Burakovsky on his goal, and nice to see him chip in with a goal of his own. I’m not sure he’ll have an easier goal than that. Suddenly, the team has a lot of powerplay options.

Nathan MacKinnon – B-

Being able to play MacK under 20 minutes on the second half of a back-to-back is crucial. He didn’t have a great game, and nearly got one at the very end, but the powerplay, once again, looked good. Was surprisingly dominant in the face-off circle.

Cale Makar – B-

Didn’t think it was his best game. Had a few nice poke checks, but also seemed to be fumbling the puck a good bit. The pass on the Lehkonen goal was elite, just whipping it through the high slot and beating three defenders because of it.

Josh Manson – B

It’s been a long time since the Avs had a truly mean defenseman. I have no clue who #70 is on the Devils, but he took a hit from Manson along the wall and the rest of the shift wanted nothing to do with the puck. Some nice intimidation.

Valeri Nichushkin – B

The old double doink off both posts late right before the Devils scored their only goal. Managed to pick up another assist and the two wingers on the second line are having to drive a lot.

Alex Newhook – B-

Seems to be deferring the puck a good bit, which isn’t a bad thing overall, but you want him to take some shots of his own, and at even strength, he did none of that outside of the post he hit. Still, another solid defensive effort and that’s what makes him noticeable a lot of nights.

Logan O’Connor – A

The type of game you needed from him, and it wasn’t just the goal where he finally got some good puck luck. A nice forecheck on Graves in the first period created a turnover and some good chances, and drew the penalty that led to the Lehkonen goal.

Mikko Rantanen – B-

Like that he chose to shoot coming in off the wall on a few rushes, something I love seeing him do. Didn’t result in any goals but I’ll take my chances with him shooting. It sure looked like he was just shooting for a rebound on the Lehkonen goal.

Nico Sturm – B-

Had a nice setup for Aube-Kubel in the second period and more just solid play overall. Can’t wait to see him in a pure fourth-line role because he’s made for it.

Devon Toews – B

Led the defensemen in shot share once again, with his relatively quiet and understated game. Seemed like he and Makar were both having some issues with the puck at times, as he tried to rush the puck up the ice in the first and just plain lost the puck in the neutral zone.