3 Takeaways from Avalanche’s 9-6 Game 1 Win Over the Wild – Hockey Writers –

The Colorado Avalanche eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in clear fashion, completing the sweep everyone saw coming. Then again, everyone thought before the series the second round series was going to be tough and the Minnesota Wild certainly put up more fight in Game 1 than the Kings did in four games.

This was a bad practice from start to finish. Clustered goals and frustrated netminders abound in this game. In the end, the Avalanche continued to pour on the offense and walked away with a 9-6 victory.

Goalkeepers Shouldn’t Be Blamed

There are quite a few x-factors in this series, and some of them have already reared their heads. Scoring was expected to play a big role in his series and, on the face of it, it looks like both teams got a little bit of scoring punch.

The truth is that the team’s defense was filthy this time. Both teams had brutal giveaways, leaving both Jesper Wallstedt and Scott Wedgewood in compromising positions multiple times throughout the night.

No one really had a chance to put their best foot forward, especially Wallstedt. It’s safe to assume that both sides will adjust things going forward to minimize the number of opportunities presented. For both goalkeepers, this is a game they will soon forget.

Cale Makar: The Best Defender in the World

One of the main storylines coming into the series is the similarity between Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Both have been in the general discussion of “the best in the world” and both sides have a legitimate argument to make in their defense.

In Game 1, there is no question that Makar holds that lead. Hughes was no slouch, chipping in with two assists. That said, Makar not only came through but came when it mattered most.

Makar scored his third and fourth goals of the playoffs in the third period, helping the Avalanche avoid a late push by the Wild. Makar is off to a hot start in this series and could be in contention for a second Conn Smythe if the Avalanche win the series.

Top Line for Steam

A couple of guys had great nights — shout out to Devon Toews for a goal and three assists — but it’s worth noting that the Avalanche’s top line has started to get hot of late.

They were going well in the opening round against the Kings but they should not have been great. In Game 1, the trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Martin Necas left. is turned off. They combined for two goals and six assists while averaging 10 turnovers.

The Avalanche can and will rely on their depth in these playoffs, but it’s nice to see their types carry the load. In this game, everyone had to play but the heavy lifting was done by the big dogs.

Big Game Save Fix 2

Both sides will look to make changes to improve areas of struggle from Game 1. Team defenses on both sides should be much better, so expect a few fast break opportunities. Colorado dominated in the faceoff circle, losing 63% of the games on the night. Both teams also have lots of expensive gifts.

There is a lot of attacking talent in this series but there is no way we will see this type of game again. After a short break between Games 2 and 3, the series will return to Minnesota. It will be a fast-paced, physical series where skill will be put to the test. And it’s going to be a great playoff series.