Avalanche's perfect weekend fuels huge expectations for the season ahead
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
The Colorado Avalanche's impressive back-to-back preseason victories over the Utah Mammoth this past weekend have not only showcased the team's depth and potential but also sparked major expectations that this could be the beginning of a highly promising season ahead.
The Avalanche opened their preseason with a split-squad doubleheader against the Mammoth on Sunday, taking advantage of Utah's travel delays to secure the sweep.
Avalanche's weekend sweep gives hope to a great year ahead.
Ryan O'Hara from Mile High Hockey writes that for the first time in four years, Gabriel Landeskog was in the lineup to start the preseason, alongside Cale Makar and Valeri Nichushkin.
After a sluggish start and early Utah power-play goal in game one at Magness Arena, Colorado exploded in the second period with three goals un under two minutes, two from rookie Gavin Brindley and another from Danil Gushchin, set up by Makar's remarkable playmaking.
"Colorado's defense was outstanding in the same period, as they limited Utah to four shots on the goal. in the second frame, could not establish momentum. Tristen Nielsen, another camp standout, extended the lead on a breakaway to make it 4-1." -O'Hara
The third period turned heated when Makar took a high elbow from Samuel Lipkin, forcing him to leave the game as a precaution. Landeskog quickly responded by sticking up for his teammate, firing up the crowd and his teammates, who rode the momentum to a 5-1 win.
In game two at Ball Arena, Utah put up a better fight, but Colorado's top forwards made the difference. Martin Necas set up Artturi Lehkonen for a 1-0 lead, and after Utah tied it on a power play, Necas quickly regained the lead with a neutral-zone steal and breakaway goal.
"Yet discipline again undermined Colorado. The Mammoth tied it up through the second period when Daniil But slipped a power-play shot past goaltender Trent Miner, who was otherwise perfect stopping 19/20 shots. The Avalanche's response was immediate. Fresh off a penalty kill, Nečas intercepted a neutral-zone pass and converted on a breakaway to give Colorado a 2-1 lead." -O'Hara
The final period showcased Colorado's defense, with Kyle Keyser holding the crease. Tempers flared late as Utah's Lawson Crouse dropped the gloves to defend the Mammoth's star forward Logan Cooley, who was hit hard by Avalanche prospect Zakhar Bardakov.
"Brock Nelson, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract in the offseason with the Avalanche, deflected Necas' slap shot from the point with 5:15 remaining in regulation to give Colorado a 3-2 lead. And that effectively ended the game and Utah's night." -O'Hara
With 5-1 and 3-2 wins, the Avalanche completed the weekend sweep. Standouts included Gavin Brindley, who scored twice; Tristen Nielsen, who quietly proved his value; Necas showing that he doesn't need Nathan MacKinnon to produce; and Landeskog, who demonstrated why he's one of the best captains in the NHL.
The Colorado Avalanche appear more than ready for the season ahead.
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