Avs-Kings player grades: Another royal beating

Player grades from Colorado’s win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Sven Andrighetto (C) – There just wasn’t much there from him today. He continues to be a ship passing quietly in the night during most games.

Tyson Barrie (A+) – Three points and a dominant offensive showing without them having to force the offense through him. These are the games that make Barrie a hot commodity. HOT HOT HOT.

Gabriel Bourque (C+) – I didn’t really notice him at all today but I’m feeling good so he gets the extra plus for being a quality human being.

Matt Calvert (A+) – Two assists in classic Calvert fashion as he just outworked some guys to rack ’em up. His short-handed effort was excellent even though it was already 4-0 at the time. No quit in his game.

Ian Cole (C-) – I’m not giving out many low grades today but three penalties taken isn’t what you want from your veteran D, especially with Johnson not available. At least he got them out of his system in a blowout.

J.T. Compher (B) – A well-earned assist on the Wilson goal. His playmaking has started to show up a little more recently. He continues to show very well this year.

Sheldon Dries (A) – He followed Calvert’s great effort up with the kind of hand-eye coordination the Rockies have been looking for from a catcher for basically their entire existence. Tony Wolters about to lose his job?

Samuel Girard (B) – Jared Bednar said in his presser yesterday that in order to increase his production, Girard needed to shoot more. Girard responded with four shot attempts through the first two periods and generally was much more aggressive with the puck. Being that coachable is going to serve him very well in his career.

Erik Johnson (INC) – Left early in the game with an “upper-body injury” and did not return. Hoping for the best for EJ.

Alexander Kerfoot (B+) – A more hard-nosed effort than you’d expect from Kerfoot, especially in a blowout, but I really liked what he brought to the table. He made a nice play to Barrie for the assist.

Gabriel Landeskog (A+) – The set up was the real play but Landeskog scored his 28th (Note: 29th**) goal of the season today. Hell yeah.

Nathan MacKinnon (A+) – That pass to Landeskog for his first assist was downright special. Most players would have justifiably shot that puck. He drew Quick out and made him pay.

Patrik Nemeth (C+) – I didn’t notice him a ton in this one outside of him being pretty active in blocking shots. That’s just fine.

Matt Nieto (C) – I’m only giving him this grade because I didn’t really have a strong opinion on his play today. Usually, with Nieto that means he was fine and nothing major happened.

Mikko Rantanen (A+) – Two brilliant goals and he left the game early with a lower-body injury to avoid having to talk to the media after the game. Smart, very smart. Just kidding. Hopefully, we’ll get a Rantanen update soon. *Update: Avs say he’s OK, will play Monday.

Carl Soderberg (A) – Carl is locked in right now playing some fantastic hockey. Today was a continuation of that as he notched another couple points.

Semyon Varlamov (A) – Did what he had to do. He wasn’t asked to be spectacular, merely serviceable. He responded with a fine performance he can be proud of.

Colin Wilson (B+) – It was close but he finished on the breakaway he had. Most excellent.

Nikita Zadorov (B) – He was physical and mean early when the game was still in doubt and he even moved the puck pretty well. Thumbs up!