The Avalanche welcomed back their captain, Gabe Landeskog, and his return was nothing short of impactful. After taking a 96 MPH slapshot from Cale Makar that sidelined him for two weeks, Landeskog was back in action, helping the Avs secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. This win marked their second consecutive triumph following a shootout loss to Dallas, and with Dallas dropping an OT game to Minnesota, the Avalanche now hold a five-point lead for the top spot in the Central Division.
The return of Landeskog is just the beginning for the Avs, who are poised to strengthen their lineup even further.
Key Takeaways
- Lineup Adjustments: Landeskog started on the second line with Nazem Kadri and Brock Nelson, but it wasn't long before he was moved to the top line. His presence was immediately felt as he scored the game-tying goal just over a minute into the third period, ending Logan Thompson’s shutout hopes.
- Line Chemistry: Valeri Nichushkin joined Nelson and Kadri on the second line. The Avs are eagerly awaiting the return of Artturi Lehkonen, Ross Colton, and Logan O’Connor, which will allow Kadri to return to his natural center position and further enhance the team's depth.
- Nic Roy’s Role: As a recent addition, Nic Roy is still finding his footing.
Currently paired with rookies, his ice time is limited. However, he’s managed to score three goals in nine games since joining the team.
- Third Line Stability: Jack Drury, Parker Kelly, and Joel Kiviranta have formed a reliable trio throughout the season. Once the team is fully healthy, Roy is expected to shift back to the right wing, allowing Kadri to anchor the third line.
- Landeskog’s Impact: Despite early setbacks, Landeskog has been a force, with 10 goals and 16 assists in his last 32 games. His presence on the ice is crucial as the Avalanche prepare for the playoffs.
- Recent Performance: Landeskog has been on a tear with 12 points in his last 12 games, despite missing time due to injuries like a broken rib in Florida.
- Team Performance with Landeskog: The Avalanche are a dominant 37-4-7 with Landeskog in the lineup, compared to 9-9-3 without him. His leadership and skill are invaluable as they push toward the postseason.
- Martin Necas Shines: Martin Necas was a standout in overtime, showcasing his game-breaking abilities. Since the Olympics, he’s been on fire, with 10 goals and 14 assists in 13 games, trailing only Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov.
- Brock Nelson’s Resurgence: Nelson has found his scoring touch again, netting goals in back-to-back games. With 13 games left, reaching 40 goals is still a possibility for the veteran.
The Avalanche are gearing up for a strong finish to the season, and with their captain back and more reinforcements on the way, they’re looking like a formidable force in the Central Division.