Avs Round 3, Game 3 Grades: No Quit

Bowen Byram – B-

There were some struggles with the puck in his own end, but also made a big save on the goal line in the first period. Head to head, did really well against McDavid but struggled against the rest of the Oilers, surprisingly.

Andrew Cogliano – B+

I don’t know if he was intentionally chipping it softly off the wall because he knew the Avs were back to evens, or he knew that Compher could win that race, but huge play on the game-winner. Fourth line, again, won their territorial battle and a lot of it against McDavid.

J.T. Compher – B

Tough game to grade, because that line was generally ineffective at even strength once he was asked to move up into Kadri’s spot, but then he goes and just outworks Bouchard for the game-winning goal. I’m sensing a pattern here in the last few weeks. Something about that number.

Pavel Francouz – B

Well, like Compher, tough game to grade, because both goals were not great, especially that second one. You can’t let a goal like that in at that time of the game. But then he goes and makes an absurd save on McDavid just moments before Compher comes out of the box for the game-winner. His ability to play the puck helps a bit too.

Darren Helm – B+

He is our new lord and savior. Made a decent desperation play as the last man back in the first to buy time for Toews to get back, and then had a great defensive play to just eliminate McDavid on a rush in the third period. He’s under the Oilers skin right now.

Erik Johnson – C-

Struggled with the puck in tight in the defensive zone and had a few icings, which I’ll take over a turnover in a bad spot. However, it looks like the Oilers really didn’t get a ton of quality chances on net against him so it’s a wash.

Jack Johnson – C

Just like last game, I didn’t even notice him, and that’s all you’re really asking for at this point. No glaring mistakes and some physical play.

Nazem Kadri – NA

Just a really crappy hit and crappy situation, because Kadri is massive for his team. Now they’re losing him on a play they had no control over. Kane needs to be suspended. Finish this out so Nazem can heal up a bit.

Gabriel Landeskog – B+

Another game where the Avs dominate in the scoresheet with Landy on the ice. Had an ugly turnover in the defensive zone in the third period but beyond that, another solid night and good on the forecheck again.

Artturi Lehkonen – B-

Not a great game in terms of execution, and didn’t look very good in the bumper spot on the top power play unit when called upon, but some huge blocked shots late in the game with the net empty.

Nathan MacKinnon – B

At even strength, he really didn’t get much of anything going offensively, but really solid defensively, and had some physical play that kind of sets him apart from a guy like McDavid. Loved seeing him come back and knock McDavid off the puck at one point. He has bought in big time and just wants to win.

Cale Makar – B+

The back check and knocking Draisaitl off the puck in the third period was perfect. Draisaitl is a little weak right now and the Avs are making him pay. Another really strong defensive game after whatever happened on that first goal and played nearly 30 minutes.

Josh Manson – C

Went into the boards very awkwardly at one point but seemed to be just fine. Some flubs defensively and got beat wide in the second period for a mini-breakaway, but also had a few good looks shorthanded.

Alex Newhook – C

Again, I just don’t notice the guy much in games. His only real noticeable play was where he cut McDavid off along the wall and took the puck from him. The only forward who didn’t register a shot attempt at even strength.

Valeri Nichushkin – A

He hasn’t been able to buy a goal of late, so nice to see him get some good bounces. Took a shot off the hand early but that didn’t seem to bother him a whole lot. Some big shot blocks late in the game too. Massive game.

Logan O’Connor – B

Missed Newhook pretty badly on an odd-man rush in the first period but had more good moments through the game than not. Crashed the net hard in the second for a good chance.

Mikko Rantanen – B

With Kadri gone, will need him to take the wheel a bit more at even strength. Had some good looks on the powerplay and also some bizarre shot choices. Had a good look on a mini break at the end of the second, but saved his best for the third with some good sticks in the defensive zone and a fantastic final 10 seconds to seal it off.

Nico Sturm – C

Got back into the lineup and didn’t play a ton. Had a decent look in the third period in the high slot, but most noticeable is the unfortunate play where he had his stick slashed out of his hands prior to the Oilers’ second goal.

Devon Toews – B

More strong defensive play and his skating is something that the Oilers don’t seem fully prepared for. Had a really strong play along the wall against Draisaitl in the second period where he just eliminated him with ease.