‘Juѕt Keep It Rollіng’: Avѕ Hаve Hіgһ Wіnnіng Spіrіt

The Avalanche are buzzing from their last two victories. The locker room has a light, fun aura to it. Everyone is smiling. The vibe is relaxed. They feel connected — and they are.

Colorado has lacked depth scoring with the top line carrying most of the load. Momentum was high before the long 4 Nations break and then they lost back-to-back road games coming out of it. Those losses put a damper on morale and crushed some of the team’s spirit.

But that changed with a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night. It was Valeri Nichushkin’s first game back since he was injured on New Year’s Eve. Casey Mittelstadt scored his first goal in 12 games. Logan O’Connor scored his seventh of the season.

“If you’re feeling good about your game and you’re playing hard and playing well, part of it is you got to get rewarded every once in a while,” head coach Jared Bednar said.

Although Nichushkin did not get on the scoresheet, he made a significant impact on the team for his first game back in the lineup. That boost carried into the victory over the Minnesota Wild, with him scoring the first goal of the game.

Not one goal came from the top line. Jonathan Drouin added another from the second line. Third-line center Jack Drury scored and his linemate, Ross Colton got his first since Jan. 9. Colton finished the game with his second of the night into an empty net.

“Just keep it rolling. Just come to the rink every day with the right mindset. I don’t know what it is, but just the attitude around the room has felt different. Guys are more upbeat. Guys are enjoying themselves. It’s a fun time here,” Colton said after the 5-2 win over the Wild.

The 28-year-old forward said it was a relief to break his scoring drought and hopes the momentum continues for himself and the team.

The win was the second game of a six-game homestand which has proven to be an advantage for the Avs so far. Oliver Kylington contributed two points on Friday night and said home ice has been important.

“I’ve been injured but I feel like the guys have been away for a long time so it’s nice to have a home stretch and build some momentum and play for our fans. It’s awesome,” Kylington said.

Depth production has taken some pressure off the top line which has been a big factor in keeping the team competitive. The energy generated circulates throughout the team to keep it connected.

“We have an amazing group of guys in here. Great leaders, guys who won some championships. A tribute to them keeping the mindset right, managing those ups and downs,” Colton said. “Come to the rink with a smile on your face — we have a great job and we get to enjoy it.”

Bednar has been able to balance playing minutes a bit more with contributions from the entire lineup. That translates to less wear and tear on his heavy hitters, which is important at this point in the season.

Nathan MacKinnon will practice less and other players with high time on the ice will likely rest more often. With 21 games left in the regular season, the Avs need a fully healthy squad come playoff time.