The Colorado Avalanche remain undefeated in preseason with a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Nights. The Ross Colton-Jack Drury connection was a highlight on a pair of goals.
Despite the game broadcast on
national television, both the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights put out a lineup of extras for this contest. In fact Colorado called up Jason Polin, TJ Tynan, Tye Felhaber, Ronnie Attard and Alex Gagne just to participate in this game, The hope is tomorrow’s rematch in Vegas holds more NHL relevance.
The Game
To kick off the game, Vegas spent much of the first period in the Avalanche defensive zone but it was the home team who cashed in first on a great play between the two NHL players in this game as Ross Colton fed Jack Drury on a two-on-one, which the latter buried. Shots were pretty even 9-8 Colorado after one period of play.
At the start of the second period Vegas got a quick score to even the game from Tanner Laczynski as he took advantage of the Avalanche failing to clear the defensive zone. Before the second period concluded Vegas built on their lead when Joe Flemming danced around Sam Malinski and put the puck behind Trent Miner. Despite receiving a power play at the end of the period, Colorado’s AHL lineup couldn’t convert.
However, Colorado made things interesting to open the third period as they evened the score on a goal from Jason Polin. The five-man-unit was getting good pressure and then a Keaton Middleton shot found its way to the net from a point shot. Danil Gushchin fumbled the puck on a rebound but that allowed Polin to swat the puck in the net. Just a couple minutes later the Colton-Drury connection showed up again as Drury returned the favor to Colton on a cross-ice pass which saw him bury the team’s third goal of the evening. Joel Kiviranta sealed the deal with an empty net goal in this 4-2 victory.
Takeaways
Keeping the inferior lineup in mind it was no surprise this game featured many penalties. And despite each team earning three power plays each, none of them converted on the opportunity. The penalty kill is usually a strength early but those hoping to see evidence of some power play fireworks under Dave Hakstol’s guidance will have to keep waiting.
It was a mixed bag night for Sam Malinski who clearly did not look comfortable on the left side. He picked up an assist and as expected was still good rushing the puck but clears and defending were an issue. The quality of teammates didn’t help out the 27-year-old but the jury is still out on if the Avalanche will look for alternate solutions on the left side.
Both Gavin Brindley and Zakhar Bardakov were good on the forecheck and kept themselves in good standing as they try to make the opening night roster. However neither hit the scoresheet and didn’t do as much individually with the puck so it will depend what the coaching staff expects out of this duo of forwards.
Upcoming
The rematch tomorrow night, October the first, in Vegas with hopefully a lineup more resembling the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. MT on NHL Network.
