The Colorado Avalanche ended their three-game losing streak on Sunday by defeating the New York Rangers 5-4.
This win came after their big trade that sent star right winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes and brought forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury to Colorado. The new players had an impact in the win over the Rangers.
Here are three key points from the Avalanche’s victory:
Avs Blow Two-Goal Leads But Hold On and Win in the Final Moments
The Avalanche started the game with a 2-0 lead over the Rangers, but Colorado allowed the Rangers to tie it up.
This pattern repeated when the Avs took a 4-2 lead with just under four minutes left in the second period, only to see the Rangers tie it again with under five minutes remaining in regulation.
Despite having only three shots in the final period, the Avalanche managed to score the winning goal thanks to forward Artturi Lehkonen, who netted the goal with just 15 seconds left in the game.
This win brought the Avalanche’s record to 29-20-2 for the season, and it was a big morale boost for the team after their losing streak.
It also showed their resilience, though they need to work on maintaining their lead in future games. Still, every win counts, and Sunday’s victory showed a lot of heart from the Avalanche.
New Avalanche Players Contribute to the Win Against the Rangers
This was Colorado’s second game without Mikko Rantanen, and while new forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury didn’t score in the previous loss to the Boston Bruins, they were key in the win against the Rangers.
Colorado Avalanche players celebrate after scoringDrury scored the first goal of the game (his fourth of the season), while Necas had two assists (his 40th and 41st of the season).
Though Rantanen’s absence will be felt, if Necas can keep contributing like he did in this game and Drury can add some offensive support, the Avalanche will be in good shape moving forward.
Rantanen is still the most talented player involved in the trade, but depth is important for playoff success, and getting immediate help from Necas and Drury helps ease the impact of losing Rantanen.
Makar Shines with Two Goals Against the Rangers
Cale Makar, the Avalanche’s star defenseman, was once again a key player in the win, scoring two goals — his 17th and 18th of the season — and assisting on Lehkonen’s game-winning goal. Makar is on track for a 29-goal, 90-point season, which would set or tie career highs for him.
He is making a strong case for winning another Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Along with superstar center Nathan MacKinnon, Makar is a key player for the Avalanche.
He’s only 26 years old, and his best years may still be ahead of him. Sunday’s win was another example of how Makar can lead the team to victory in many different ways.
