3 Takeaways from the Avalanche’s 3-1 Win Over the Flames – Hockey Writers –
The Colorado Avalanche have been on fire lately, leaving them with nothing to play for Tuesday night in their second-to-last season finale against the Calgary Flames. The President’s medal has been locked up for a long time and there is nothing left but pride.
Apparently, pride was all that was needed. The Avalanche looked like they were driving themselves at times but managed to find a way to send the lowly Flames to their own 54.th win of the season, a 3-1 away win.
Nate Wins Rocket
While there’s a school of thought about resting before the playoffs, that’s just not what Nathan MacKinnon is all about. Besides, he had the personal hardware to win and was able to do so by earning the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer.
He hit an empty netter to seal the deal with the Flames, with 53 of his ownrd of the season, but I didn’t even need that. Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens was held scoreless in their season finale, giving MacKinnon the title.
It’s amazing to think that at one time, there were rumors that he was not living up to his potential. With this award, he has now won almost every award: Calder Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and now Rocket Richard. What a career he has had and he is still in his prime.
A Mighty Exit From Blackwood
Head coach Jared Bednar indicated that the Avalanche could still use both goaltenders in the playoffs, so getting Mackenzie Blackwood’s strong performance here brought a level of certainty to that potential decision.
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Blackwood turned away 30 of the Flames’ 31 shots, the only one being a slight deflection from Blake Coleman. Other than that, Blackwood looked calm, cool, and collected as he turned the Flames away multiple times, especially with the Avalanche going up 2-1 late.
Although Scott Wedgewood will be the starter in Game 1, it was good to see Blackwood play so hard. Knowing they have two reliable starters at the top is one of the many things that separates the Avalanche from everyone else.
Return of the Mak (ar)
Aside from MacKinnon locking up the Rocket Richard Trophy, the biggest story in the game was Cale Makar’s return to the lineup. Makar missed several games due to injury, though there was never any real doubt about his playoff status.
He came back on Tuesday and it looks like he never missed a beat. Makar registered an assist on all three of the Avalanche’s goals, the first an impressive move where he knocked the puck off the boards, chased it down, and lasered Artturi Lehkonen in front.
It goes without saying but the Avalanche feel dangerous every second Makar is on the ice. Without him, there is a visible piece of the missing puzzle. Having him back in the playoffs is huge for the Avalanche and their Cup hopes.
What a Season
It can’t be said enough how big this first season is. Even with a step back to start the new year, the Avalanche scored 119 points (maybe 121 when all is said and done). They have the league’s leading scorer, two 100-point players, a potential Norris Trophy winner, a potential Vezina Trophy finalist, six 20-goal scorers, and seven players with 40 or more points.
This team is ridiculously deep across the board. There will be no excuses and no understanding if they fail this postseason. The regular season has been an all-time high for the Avalanche, but it’s still just the beginning.
