Avs Preseason Game 1 Grades: Less than Impressive

The Colorado Avalanche opened the preseason with a disappointing 5-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Coach Bednar was looking for some of the younger players to step up and make him take notice but came away less than impressed, unable to name any standouts after the game.

How did each player perform? Let’s find out…

Jayson Megna – C: A veteran AHL player with some NHL experience, Megna did look a lot more polished than the rest of the young lineup. He missed his assignment on Vegas’ second goal by following a player that was already covered, but at least was able to contribute four shots on net.

Sheldon Dries – F: A surprise at training camp last season, Dries really struggled in game one, taking two penalties and failing to make an impact at either end of the ice. His game tailed off last season, and a poor training camp could drop him down the depth chart a little further.

Tyson Jost – C+: Jost at least flashed a little bit, standing out amongst his teammates because of his understanding of the system. At this point, he probably should stand out a little bit more. He drew two penalties on the same shift in the second period, and at least was able to put four shots on net.

Conor Timmins – C+: The first period was rough for Timmins, with a few turnovers adjusting to the speed of the game. From the second period on, he was the most active of the Avs defensemen and seemed to adjust to everything. A few of his reads jumping into the play at least created a little bit of chaos for Vegas. For someone who has played very little hockey in the last year and a half, you have to be encouraged.

A.J. Greer – C-: The effort was clearly there from Greer, but what was apparent was his lack of high-end skill. On multiple occasions, he had a chance to make a play with the puck and failed to do so. To earn a spot on the team, he needs to stand out among the rest, and he didn’t necessarily do that.

Ryan Graves – D: Everything went right for Graves last season when he got a chance in the lineup, but tonight was a struggle for him. Coming off a strong camp, Graves handed the puck directly to the Golden Knights on multiple occasions, including twice on the opening shift of the game. He took a stick in the face late in the game but after the game said everything is okay.

Jacob MacDonald – C-: A proven AHL player, MacDonald didn’t look completely out of place tonight, at least jumping in occasionally. He did have a few plays in the second period that show why he’s never taken that jump to be a full-time NHL player.

T.J. Tynan – D: Tynan is an easy player to notice because there is flash to his game and when he gets the puck, he has the ability to make plays, but tonight was not one of those nights.

Erik Condra – C: Brought in for some experience on the Eagles, Condra, who has a good chunk of NHL games under his belt in his career, showed that he will be a steady presence in the AHL. He hit the crossbar late in the game, which is about as close as the Avs got to scoring tonight.

Mark Barberio – C-: Coming off a lost season, Barberio is in need of a massive preseason to earn a spot on the team. Tonight was just an okay start. He had a few moments jumping into the rush, but was unable to bury anything, and was one of many Avs players caught watching on the final goal of the game.

Bowen Byram – D+: This isn’t rookie camp anymore. “A slow start” is how Jared Bednar described Byram’s first period, which was very accurate. He ended up (accidentally) scoring on his own net just a few minutes into the game, and late in the game got burned on a zone entry for the final Knights goal. There were definite flashes of ability from him in the second period, but a very uneven night for him. He will get plenty of chances to prove himself later in the preseason.

Nicolas Meloche – C: I actually thought Meloche was quietly solid for most of the night, but he had a brutal turnover that led to the fourth Vegas goal. Beyond that, he battled and tried jumping into the play when he could. Given what’s in front of him on the depth chart, I’m not so sure he will get another chance to show himself in the preseason.

Luka Burzan – C-: Of all the junior eligible forwards, I liked him the most. He was a little too pass-happy but showed some skill and a willingness to get his nose dirty.

Martin Kaut – C-: Like the rest of his line, Kaut had flashes, including a nice drive through the center ice and drop to Jost for a scoring chance. He looked a little lost on the 5 on 3, floating aimlessly at times, and completely missing a pass, which killed a good chunk of the power play.

Nick Henry – C+: If nothing else, Henry’s ability and willingness to shoot the puck stood out among the mediocrity of the evening. For a first-year pro, he has a heavy shot and wasn’t afraid to use it on the power play. It will be interesting if he gets another game to make an impression.

Alex Beaucage – D-: Not to be too hard on a guy who clearly isn’t going to be in the NHL this year, but it was a tough night all around for him.  He had several chances at breaks early in the game but missed the passes. Everything with the puck seemed to be off for him tonight, and he took a penalty late in the night to cap it all off. I’m sure nerves played a role for the teenager.

Vladislav Kamenev – D: After throwing a big hit on his first shift, it looked like it would be a different night for Kamenev. His next shift, he took two massive hits and looked timid the rest of the night. There wasn’t enough offensively from Kamenev, who really needs to stand out this preseason, and he got outmuscled too frequently. The best part about his game was his face-off ability, winning 60% of his draws, including a few in the defensive zone on the penalty kill.

Sasha Mutala – C-: A relatively quiet night for the teenager. I didn’t notice any glaring mistakes from him, but nothing stood out either. Like the rest of his junior-eligible forwards, he was sent back to his junior team after the game.

Adam Werner – C-: After the first goal of the game, it seemed like Werner really started to settle in, flashing the leather a few times and looking confident in net. He looked a little scrambly on the second goal by the Golden Knights but it was a definite breakdown by the Avs defense.

Hunter Miska – D: Coming in cold is never easy, but Miska’s issues were in the third period. The second goal he gave up was a brutal rebound, and he put himself in a very tough position on a shot that probably shouldn’t have generated much of a rebound at all. Goaltending depth is a definite concern at the moment.

The Avs next preseason game is on Thursday when they take on the Dallas Stars. The game starts at 7 PM MST.