The Avalanche had poor goaltending and a lack of production from the top lines in the 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night. The couple of goals scored came from the team’s fourth line.
“That was the line that gave us a good spark early … in the minutes they played, they played well, and they got two goals. When your fourth line gets you two goals, with limited ice time, (it) should be a good sign,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
Parker Kelly’s and Nikolai Kovalenko’s goals were not enough for the team to earn a win. Timing, turnovers and bad goals allowed cost the Avs — which Bednar said were not excuses.
“It was definitely an off night … It looked like we were second to the puck all night and our execution was not good,” Bednar said. “We had a tough time stringing together two passes, turnovers. First goal was a shot from the point of the power play, second goal — turnover, third goal — turnover, and then most of them unforced. And that’s just the ones that ended up in the back of our net on the offensive side. And we didn’t create a whole lot because we couldn’t put any passes together.”
Valeri Nichushkin’s return to the lineup
Expectations were high with three key players returning to the lineup — Valeri Nichushkin, Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood. The only one of the three to earn a point was Wood, who assisted on Kovalenko’s goal.
Nichushkin and Drouin played most of the game on the second line with Casey Mittelstadt but struggled to connect and create scoring chances as a unit.
“When I play first game, I was thinking it’s gonna be way harder. I feel pretty good,” Nichushkin said. “I think our line have good chances today — little bit unlucky. Hopefully next game.”
The 28-year-old Russian said he’s worked hard the last six months since being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL Player Assistance Program. He said he has had help through his recovery during his suspension from the team.
“A lot of work, a lot of other things, but I think I had huge progress with my mental health. So hope this never happens again.
“Six months, I work pretty much every day. I have some people from Russia even, work with them around the year already, and we have huge progress. So a little bit changed — my lifestyle, a little bit changed, even workout in the gym. I have manager now and a lot of different things too,” Nichushkin said.
Parker Kelly Scores His First of the Season
He was due and he was finally rewarded. Parker Kelly got the Avs off to a good start — which they have struggled with — netting his first of the season off a pass from Sam Girard just two minutes into the first period.
“I’ve had some chances this year that haven’t went in, but really wanted to work on my defensive game first, being new to the center position. So feels good to get the first one out. But would’ve been nice to come out with a win,” Kelly said.
The 25-year-old forward got an assist on Kovalenko’s goal and wants to build on the chemistry established with his linemates.
“With Woody (Miles Wood) back in and playing with Kovy (Kovalenko), we have great speed as a line and think we just have to stick to being simple, and keep it going that way,” he said.
Around the NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins lost their third in a row, 6-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, due to a lack of defense and a plethora of mistakes.
The team sits in the No. 7 spot of the Metropolitan Division and is 25th in the league. According to PHN, “There was a surprising lack of emotion (in the locker room). There was not the expected anger or fire, nor was there a heavy sullenness. Instead, the room had a detachment, as if things weren’t that bad.”
Read more: What comes next for the Penguins
Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights beat the Utah Hockey Club 4-2 to earn their second consecutive win. A couple of key players contributed to the victory which you can read about in 3 Takeaways from Victory in Utah.
Vegas sits in the top spot of the Pacific Division with 24 points and fourth in the league — six behind the leading Winnipeg Jets.
The Golden Knights recorded its third multi-goal comeback victory which tied the Seattle Kraken for the most among all teams this season.