Stanley Cup Final Notebook: Looking ahead to Game 2, Kadri and Cogliano skating

Following last night’s thrilling overtime win, the Avalanche hosted a quick media availability with Jared Bednar. While there wasn’t an official skate, it was a welcome sight to see Andrew Cogliano and Nazem Kadri skating (with sticks) alongside skills coach Shawn Allard.

There has been speculation that Kadri could be available at some point in this series, and it is a beacon of hope to see Cogliano as well, who has not been ruled out either, both taking strides forward.

Jared Bednar addressed the media to touch on some additional details from Game 1 that can be carried into Game 2. After a well-rounded performance that ultimately secured a 1-0 series lead, there are standouts that helped to get them there.

The Penalty Kill

Both teams played a disciplined game, so the opportunities outside of 5 on 5 were few and far between. When Tampa did have the man advantage, their powerplay showed tape to tape cohesion and unconventional but effective entries that could incite panic. The Avs penalty kill only improved as the game went on and was perfect in killing 3/3.

“We did a nice job on the rush coverage and entering the zone,” said Bednar. “There was some quickness to it and anticipation. They were dialed in on some of the tendencies that Tampa’s powerplay has. There was some sacrifice for blocking shots. [When you] add it all up, it turns out to be a good night for the penalty kill. Hopefully, they can recreate that.”

Offensive Zone Versatility

A talking point from Game 1 has been the Avs’ doggedness in Tampa’s zone in the face of strong defensive coverage even after outshooting them 38-23. Bednar explained conversations he’s had with the team to attack and persist even when shot attempts are blocked.

“We’re going to encourage our guys to keep shooting the puck if they’re getting lanes,” he said. “You have to keep moving and trying to get guys away from the puck. Keep moving into those spaces on the ice where you might be able to get a shot through right away off the pass.”

“I did like the way we followed up on some shots they were able to block. Even the game-winning goal is an example of that. We had a couple other ones off the rush where we shot the puck, they blocked it, and our trailers came up and picked them up. Understanding that when we’re in the shoot zone, we want to shoot a lot.”

Nathan MacKinnon’s Maturity

Bednar was asked a couple of questions about Nathan MacKinnon – his role, his value, and ultimately his overall mindset as it relates to this Cup run. He said Nathan’s game speaks for itself. He went on to emphasize the importance of each star player showing up in big moments.

“You guys know Nate. He’s not afraid or intimidated to go against anybody,” Bednar said of the matchups. “Certainly, I’m not going to interrupt the flow of our game to avoid something until I see that it’s not working. If it’s working and our team is comfortable with it, then we’ll use it a little bit and not run away from it. If I want Nate in certain situations and they put out Cirelli, then I’ll [still] put Nate out there.”

“He’s taken on a huge checking role for us in and [has] played against some tough competition,” Bednar went on to add. He acknowledged different areas of growth he’s observed in MacKinnon over the years.

“There’s a confidence in our team game where he doesn’t put too much weight on his own shoulders,” he added. “He’s always going to push. He’s always going to be the driver of our offense and put a lot of responsibility on himself. He’s let himself relax a little bit more. There’s more inner confidence in what he can accomplish over the years and what our team can accomplish when he plays his role to the best of his ability. He doesn’t have to have a perfect game every night. He doesn’t have to have a 3 or 4 point night. He’s embraced it. He’s come out on the good side of it. That’s where I see the growth from Nate: a more mature player every year.”

The Evolution of Val Nichushkin

Valeri Nichushkin has demonstrated his value to Colorado throughout the regular season. Joe Sakic has said that they’d 100% love to keep him, a UFA entering the offseason, but the deal is not done and final offers will still need to be made.

Coming off of a two-point night with a goal and the pass to Andre Burakovsky on the game-winning goal, it’s his relentless pursuit on the forecheck that established Nichuskin’s dominance in Game 1.

Bednar was asked if he was surprised by the progress Nichushkin has made.

“I’m a little surprised with where he’s gotten to with his game,” he started. “On the other hand, there’s a lot of reasons why it’s not surprising to me. I’ve talked about it in previous series and this is a guy that is highly dedicated and motivated. He puts in a lot of work. He’s one of our hardest working guys, and kind of follows in Nate’s path there.”

He went on to share a scenario that has played out many times during the season.

“I’ll be cutting video after a game and trying to get some work done to lighten the load for the next morning. I’ll be the last one there, the trainers are leaving. I walk out of the room and see Val walk out of the gym [because] he’s just getting done lifting. That’s just the type of guy he is. Then you get in the morning and he’s already here. He’s not injured, he doesn’t need treatment. He’s here and he’s going to put some work in. When you watch him work on a daily basis, it’s not that surprising.”

“He’s taken off where he is. As far as the culture of our team: the system that we play, what we demand of our players, and the defensive side of it is a huge strength of Val’s. He’s obviously a big, long, strong guy that can skate and fits our mold by playing a high pace north game. The battles [and] the races that he can win fits his style. He’s found his place here. He’s moved up our lineup almost every single year. He started on our third line, went to our second, and now he plays our first. It’s where he’s gotten to and the amount he’s been able to contribute – he’s earned every step of [it].”

Room for Improvement

With two days before Game 2, there is plenty of time to process narratives that have emerged from Game 1. One is that Tampa did not play their “A” game. On the other side of that, Colorado is happy with many aspects of its process, but there isn’t total satisfaction. They see an opportunity to tighten their game down to the little details.

“We look at the game last night and we like large portions of it, “Bednar said. “[There are] some things that we can correct. Regardless of how Tampa plays, we have a certain identity that we need to play to be successful. We’ve learned that over the course of this season especially. For me, it’s managing those momentum swings. We’ve been breaking the game down into five-minute increments all year and it’s something that our guys talk about on the bench. They understand it. They recognize [that] when the other team is making a push [and] we lose the five-minute segment of a period, we have to bounce back and get it turned in the right direction.”

Bednar explained that they have talked about the specifics of those segments to prepare.

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The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning will play Game 2 on Saturday, June 18 at Ball Arena at 6 P.M. MST.