The Colorado Avalanche got back into the win column for the first time since the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament ended by beating the New Jersey Devils 5-1 Wednesday night in Denver. And the Avs' victory improved their record to 34-24-2.
Here are three takeaways from the Avalanche's win:
1. Avs superstars led the way on offense
Once again, Colorado's best players powered them to victory. Superstar center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice -- his 22nd and 23rd goals of the season, both on the power play -- and added an assist in the win. Meanwhile, star winger Martin Necas generated three assists -- two of them primarry assists -- and superstar defenseman Cale Makar chipped in a pair of assists in the win.
In today's NHL, your best players need to be your best players to win night-in and night-out, and the Avs never have to worry that MacKinnon and Makar in particular aren't going to be offense-producing machines. They don't take nights off, and they succeed despite being the focus of every opponent's defensive strategy. And on Wednesday, they steered the Avalanche to a much-needed win.
2. Avalanche's defensive effort kept Devils (mostly) off of scoresheet
Colorado had more than enough offense to win Wednesday's game, but they won in no small part because their defensive effort was right where Avs coaching and management wanted it to be. Indeed, the Avalanche limited New Jersey to only 22 shots on net, including just seven shots in the first period, and six shots in the third. That limited the workload Colorado goalie Mackenzie Blackwood had to deal with, and the Avs never had to fight off a Devils lead in this tilt.
The Avalanche also gave up only two power plays to New Jersey -- both of them in the opening frame -- and they killed off both Devils man-advantages. All things considered, this was a performance that saw Colorado play with excellent discipline, particularly in their own zone. The Devils have their share of potent offensive weapons, but the Avs' work away from the puck did wonders for their bottom line.
3. Avalanche's home prowess gives relief after disappointing road trip
The Avs were playing at home for the first time since Feb. 2, and their win over New Jersey improved their home record to 17-10-2. That was much-needed after a five-game road trip in which the Avalanche went 2-3-0 and dropped their road record this season to 17-14-0.
The Avalanche's outburst on offense also was a huge relief, as in their three defeats on the road, they managed to produce only two goals. Avs coach Jared Bednar understands his team can't win 1-0 or 2-1 games night after night, so getting five goals Wednesday was a very positive sign for Colorado.
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