A thrilling comeback story unfolds on the road as the Avalanche continue their winning streak! The Avalanche's resilience shines through in a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In a dominant display, the Avs showcased their prowess away from home, securing their third consecutive win on the road. But here's where it gets controversial... they achieved this feat without conceding more than one goal in each game!
On Thursday, the Avalanche's early-season record improved to an impressive 4-0-1. Columbus struck first with a goal from Ivan Provorov, capitalizing on a costly turnover by the Avs. However, the Avalanche quickly regained control and dominated play for most of the first period and early second period. Elvis Merzlikins, the Jackets' goalie, put up a strong fight, making 12 saves in the first period alone.
But the Avalanche's persistence paid off. Cale Makar scored at 10:34 of the second period, followed by Brock Nelson's goal just over a minute later. Valeri Nichushkin sealed the deal with a goal right before the period ended, putting the Avs up 3-1. Makar's goal was a laser-focused shot, a testament to his skill, while Nelson and Nichushkin's goals showcased their ability to redirect and deflect shots with precision.
And this is the part most people miss... Nichushkin, who had a rough start to the game with turnovers, turned things around spectacularly. His persistence and determination were on full display, and he finished the game with two goals and a +2 rating. It's a beautiful example of how a player can bounce back and make a significant impact.
The Avalanche outshot Columbus 37-23, and goalie Scott Wedgewood continued his impressive form, earning his league-leading fourth win of the season. However, there was a moment of concern when Wedgewood was stung by a shot from Adam Fantilli, causing him to hunch over in pain. Thankfully, he shook it off and kept the net secure.
So, what worked and what didn't in this thrilling game? Let's dive in!
What Worked:
- Nichushkin's Turnaround: After a shaky start, Nichushkin's persistence and skill were on full display. His sweet redirection play and overall performance were a highlight.
What Didn't:
- Limited Power Play Opportunities: The Avs struggled to draw penalties, only managing one power play opportunity in the third period. This is surprising given their control of the game and cycling of the puck.
- Wedgewood's Sting: A scary moment for the Avalanche bench as Wedgewood was in pain after a shot. While it didn't result in an injury, it's a reminder of the importance of having a reliable backup goalie.
As we reflect on this exciting game, it's clear that the Avalanche's road wins are a testament to their resilience and skill. But what do you think? Are the Avalanche's road wins a sign of a strong season ahead? Or is there more to uncover? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's spark a discussion and keep the hockey spirit alive!
