Avs Game 9 Grades: Columbus Collapse

Bowen Byram – A-

It wasn’t perfect, as he was missing some shots on the powerplay and got beat down in terms of possession, but big-time plays are what got this team a point. His first goal started with him blocking a shot in his own end. His shot is why he got the nod on the top PP unit over Girard, and it came in clutch late.

J.T. Compher – C-

Compher was more or less a ghost for the first two periods on that top line, I felt. The tip late to get the Avs going was nice but felt like we’d get more from him on the top line.

Samuel Girard – C-

We have yet to really get a top-notch game from Girard this year, haven’t we? Another somewhat disappointing effort, especially without Makar and Toews out. I also must say that it’s very weird to see the guy without facial hair and it’s throwing me off a bit.

Darren Helm – C

He had some good moments in the first period cycling the puck and forechecking, but overall, a pretty quiet game for him. Considering every forward in this game was pretty high event, it’s nice to see a low event game from a guy who should be a safe forward.

Jonas Johansson – C-

The first two periods, in my opinion, were the most confident Johansson has looked in an Avs uniform. He had a lot of swagger to his game and was flashing the glove confidently. He didn’t get a lot of help in the third period, but you need a save, and the rebound on the fourth Columbus goal was rough.

Erik Johnson – C+

The first Columbus goal deflected off him, but that’s not really his fault. Had a great breakup on a two-on-one in the second period that saved Ranta’s butt on a poor read. If you look at the goals against, I wouldn’t really put anything on him. Steadier night considering a lot of the other D.

Jack Johnson – C-

I don’t know why he was drifting so far to the right side on the Columbus goal early in the third period, and then to top it off, doesn’t tie up Sillinger’s stick in front of the net.

Tyson Jost – C

Jost really felt like he was buzzing early in the game, as he seemed to be all over the ice. Had the puck on his stick a ton. The problem is, none of it ever led to anything. No shot attempts at all at even strength. No even strength goals for him so far this year.

Nazem Kadri – B

Offensively, he was tremendous. The first two assists of his were fantastic passes and he managed to pick up a third assist as well. Defensively it was a little rough, as he got beat back on the third Columbus goal, and was completely lost on the OT winner.

Martin Kaut – INC

Got hurt and tried to come back, but couldn’t do it. Sat next to a scout who said Kaut doesn’t ever do anything on the ice, and I see what he’s talking about. He never has the puck, and never really seems to be around it.

Gabriel Landeskog – B

Just great work on the O’Connor goal, dumping the puck in and just pure effort to tip the puck to Kadri to keep the play going. Like Kadri, also came away with three assists, and that’s now seven points in his last two games. The turnover in the neutral zone on the fourth Columbus goal was pretty unacceptable and hurt his grade.

Kurtis MacDermid – F

Make it stop. He actually had a decent chance in the first but took so long to wind up that Columbus’ goalie had time to just completely take away any angle. Got beat wide badly in the second and let the pass through too easy on the third Columbus goal.

Jacob MacDonald – D

The MacDonald at forward experiment did not work tonight. No shot attempts and the Avs did pretty much nothing with him out there.

Nathan MacKinnon – D

Felt like he was going to be in for a big night in the first period, as his speed was backing off Columbus’ defense big time, but he kept losing the puck, and that continued all night long. The turnovers are pretty frustrating. Every time I think he’s going to kick it into gear, it just doesn’t happen. Weird start for him.

Jayson Megna – D

Avs seem pretty convinced he’s a center, and not sure I see it. Ran around a ton on the first Columbus goal, and other than a few nice moments in the first period didn’t like his game at all.

Ryan Murray – C-

Tough pinch on the third Columbus goal, and got completely walked later in the third period as well. It’s weird they continue to play him on the right side because he does not look comfortable there.

Logan O’Connor – B+

What do you know? Another great game. Nice to see him get rewarded with a goal on a great shot, and kept shooting the puck all night. Really, he was the only forward doing that at even strength. Had some great moments in the third period as well.

Sampo Ranta – D

He is lost defensively. Got benched in the second after a horrific read led to a two-on-one against, and then looked completely lost watching the puck on the first Columbus goal, to the point where his guy, Bean, completely escaped him and scored. He’s getting put in good spots and doing nothing with it.

Kiefer Sherwood – C

Had a nice steal in the defensive zone to lead a rush in the first, and nearly took Columbus’ goalie’s head off in the third period with his shot. Beyond that, pretty quiet, which you’ll take considering some of the mistakes other forwards were making.