Avs Game 77 Grades: Sleepy in Seattle

Andre Burakovsky – D

One of the better chances of the game came in the second period with Burky in the slot, but Grubauer was able to make the save. Got a tough minus on the third Seattle goal as he just jumped on the ice.

Bowen Byram – C

Had some decent chances, including a shorthanded look at the end of the first that he fired really high and wide. Didn’t feel too strongly about his game one way or the other but like that he’s getting a lot of ice time to work out the rough edges of his game.

Andrew Cogliano – D

Had a rush in the second period where he had a few options to pass it too and the pass just died leaving his stick, with no power or anything. Probably his least noticeable game.

J.T. Compher – D

Not a good look on the first goal to get beat that easily in coverage like that but it was a nice set play by Seattle. Picked up an assist on the Makar goal but didn’t notice him until the third when he wired a few shots really wide from the high slot.

Pavel Francouz – C-

He settled down really well, but the start was not ideal, with two goals against on the first two shots. The second goal was a real stinger, although it was a great shot.

Samuel Girard – C-

The pairing actually had the best shot share numbers on the team, and neither of them were really at fault for the first goal against. Not a super standout game from him in a game where very few did stand out.

Darren Helm – C-

Fourth line had decent shot share numbers but didn’t like their game overall. Helm was not a stand out.

Jack Johnson – D

It’ll be interesting to see how the staff looks at these final games because JJ is someone they’ve relied on heavily all year but he’s struggled the last few games and has played a key role in some goals against, including another one against Seattle.

Nazem Kadri – C

Just happy to see him back in the lineup. Nice give and go with Makar on the first goal, and took some hits, including a heavier one late in the game and seemed to come out no worse for the wear. I’ll take it.

Artturi Lehkonen – C+

Manages to pick up another goal, this time playing on the top line. Did lead the team in shots on net and attempts at even strength.

Kurtis MacDermid – F

Got smoked with him on the ice, and you’d like to see him peel off holding a harmless player against the boards and attack Eberle a bit on the second goal. Didn’t even hit 10 minutes in a game that really doesn’t mean a whole lot.

Nathan MacKinnon – C-

He had some legs but the hands weren’t necessarily there. There were quite a few times where he would get the puck in the neutral zone and look up to four Seattle players around him.

Cale Makar – B

Superstar play by a superstar to try to get the Avs back into it but they got quite literally zero momentum out of it in the second period. He was moving but not getting much help. Have noticed him being really vocal with refs of late.

Josh Manson – C-

Another penalty where that you know he’s going to get pretty often and had some iffy plays with the puck overall but Girard has been good for him.

Ben Meyers – D

The play on the second Seattle goal won’t look good on tape. He’s the winger there, so he seemed to anticipate the puck going to the point, but you want him to help out there more. Seemed to be a lot of miscommunication with that line on that goal. Had a good chance in the second but airmailed it really high.

Alex Newhook – D

Like the rest of his line, didn’t seem to know that he was apparently playing center on the second Seattle goal. Zero shots on goal from him.

Valeri Nichushkin – C

His legs were constantly moving, and carried the puck a lot through the neutral zone, but not a ton of super dangerous plays coming from it. Played more than MacKinnon, which shows you how the coaches are looking at his game right now.

Logan O’Connor – C-

Had a nice back check in the second period to break up a rush for the Kraken but beyond that, not a whole lot going on.

Nico Sturm – D

Lost the face-off on the Seattle second goal and then didn’t seem to continue playing center. Was very bizarre. Had a chance in the second period in front but faked a snapshot and got no shot off. Not a skill player, so was a bizarre move.