As with every game, you take the good with the bad, so time to take a look at the pluses and the minuses in the game against the Los Angeles Kings for the Colorado Avalanche.
+ Logan O’Connor and The Roaring 20’s
Another game where this line gets the party started for the Avalanche, and the Kings couldn’t do anything about it. Logan O’Connor’s initial shot, while it went perfectly off the post and in, is probably one Cam Talbot will look at and want back. That’s just how things are rolling for O’Connor right now.
The second one? That was everything you’ve come to expect from that line. Great forecheck, supporting each other all of the ice, and all of that creates a great opportunity.
Bednar was asked the other day if he thinks Ross Colton can be the 2C for this team, and honest as he always is, he said, “no.” That’s because he sees this as the ideal third line, and he’t not wrong. Colorado just has to figure out the second line.
O’Connor is now on pace for 22 goals this season. Will he slow down in the second half? I’d say that’s likely After all, he’s shooting nearly 20%. Either way, this is now a 16 game run where he’s essentially been a point-per-game player. That’s impressive.
+ MacKinnon’s Streak
From a historical context, what Nathan MacKinnon is doing at Ball Arena this year is insane. Just look at the names on this list.
MacKinnon ties Bobby Orr for the 2nd longest home point streak to start a season in @NHL history
HOME POINT STREAKS TO START
SEASON NHL HISTORY
40 Wayne Gretzky, 1988-89
25 MacKinnon, 2023-24
25 Bobby Orr, 1974-75
23 Wayne Gretzky, 1983-84
23 Phil Esposito, 1973-74— Brendan McNicholas (@bmcnich) January 27, 2024
I really don’t have much else to say other than that. That’s a list that includes two of the top five players of all-time, and another elite goal scorer. He’s just unstoppable at the moment.
+ Alexandar Georgiev
I mentioned after last game that Georgiev had a little bit of swagger going with his glove, and that continued on Friday. In the first period, with the game still very close and plenty of time for things to change, he stopped Trevor Moore on a breakaway with his glove. He was forced to make another breakaway stop in the second period, and although it didn’t come with his glove, it was massive. The game was still 3-1, and a goal from Fiala in that moment could have very easily changed the game.
Now, he’ll head to the All-Star game and get to chat with some of the better goalies in the league. I had a good chat with him the other day about it, and he’s certainly looking forward to everything. Yeah, a break would be good for him, but in talking with Mikko Rantanen, the All-Star game isn’t really that strenuous. There’s still plenty of time to relax while you’re there.
– MacDermid Penalties
On the same day that the Avalanche signed Zach Parise, a move that would seem to knock MacDermid out of the lineup, he did what he can’t do, and took a few penalties in the win. One of them came during garbage time, but it’s an offensive zone penalty, which no coach ever likes.
He’s loved in the locker room, but it’s become increasingly clear than when he dresses, the Avalanche are essentially playing shorthanded. He’ll be there in case injuries occur, but I imagine his workload is severely limited down the stretch.
– Jack Johnson
Sam Malinski was sent down prior to the game, as they want him to keep playing over the break, and the Avalanche re-inserted Jack Johnson into the lineup.
The numbers weren’t pretty. He finished with a shot share of just 33.33%. No other Avalanche defenseman was below 48%. Bednar mentioned that they could rotate people on defense in and out down the stretch, depending on the opponent, and I think that would be the right call. I think in general, Johnson has been fine this year, but Malinski’s play has earned a bigger look, and you don’t necessarily need a 37 year old to play every night.
+ Break Time
Everyone (outside of the three All-Stars) now gets a week off to rest and relax. Whether they head to the beach or head to the Mountains, it’s good to get away from the game and chill. One guy I think that could really use the break is Mikko Rantanen. He has repeatedly used the word “grind” to describe last season, and he’s played in every game again this year. He’s earned a break to get away.
No break here at Colorado Hockey Now, as we’ll be continuing content all week. I’m in a pond hockey tournament on Saturday, and then we’ll be right back at it.