Breaking Down: Avalanche/Blues, Game 8

The Avs lost a wacky game 4-3 that most fans believe should have gone to overtime but thanks to the NHL’s idiotic review policies it didn’t. Beyond that there were benchings and injuries such that it seemed like only half the team was available in the closing moments. I understand the angst many are feeling this morning but the season has gone win-loss-3 wins-3 losses so far. Expecting better than that wouldn’t have sounded realistic a couple of weeks ago so it shouldn’t now either.

Team Stats

The Corsi battle went to the Blues FWIW, Avs were +39/-46 on the night but shots on goal were even at 20 each 5v5 and 41-28 overall. Weird. Interesting stat, scoring chances at 5v5: Avs 0, Blues 6 and neither side had one in the 3rd period.

The visual explains more than the numbers in this game. Obviously, Mikko’s major screw-up early in the 2nd that ended up in the Avs net was a major letdown. Twice later you can see the Avs gain momentum in the game, then lose it with St Louis ultimately scoring both times. These letdowns harken back to last year and Coach Bednar was very unhappy about how these played out.

Lost in all the controversy and injuries, the power play looked and worked fantastic. In 2 PP opportunities the Avs had 12 shot attempts, all 12 hit the net and the scored a goal. Yowza. Also, shoutout to the PK killing both Blues chances and even outshooting them 2-1 in the second one.

TOI

Usually we use this to see which line got the big minutes but for last night’s game it’s better to see who was still around at the end of the game.

– JT Compher broke his thumb about 6 minutes into the 2nd period, tried to go a few minutes later and could not. Not good.
– Tyson Jost left the game 5 minutes into the 3rd and did not return. He’s got LBI, no word on if it’s related to his previous knee issue or how long he’s on the shelf
– Patrik Nemeth returned to the lineup after a brief shoulder injury but left 9 minutes into the 3rd, also with LBI.

– Nail Yakupov’s last shift was about 8 minutes into P2. He was on the bench for the rest of the night but didn’t see the ice. Coach Bednar called him out after the game, also said there were other passengers but didn’t elaborate.
– Nikita Zadorov played 7 minutes in the 1st period but only 4 each in P2 & P3. Message sent again.

Individuals

– Alex Kerfoot shined in his first game lined up at center. He scored the Avs first goal on the power play, which looked fantastic by the way, then backed it up with a goal and assist on wacky plays in the 3rd period. Also tied for the team lead in SOG with 6.

– Blake Comeau got his first point of the year on one of the craziest goals you’ll ever see. He gets a lot of hate from fans for some reason but does his job fine. Good to see him get on the board.

– Mikko Rantanen continues to look totally out of it at even strength. His baffling pass early in the 2nd that led directly to St Louis’ tying goal rivals Comeau’s back pass on the breakaway last year for overall stupidity. He was also on the ice for 2 other Blues goals. While not called out by the coach directly for passengery behavior I’m sure something was said in 2nd intermission because he was much better in the 3rd and he scored the goal that shouldn’t have been called back but was anyway. With Compher definitely out for a while and Jost’s injury, he’s going to have to really get his shit together now.

Burgundy Narrative Metric

– “Best guys being your best guys” gets a big ol’ (-) again
– Corsi gets a big ol’ (-)
– Power Play gets a (+) and a strong one at that
– Turtle gets an (even) for no lead to sit on
– Varly% gets a (n/a)
— Referee Oppression Index [new stat!] gets a huge (-)

Total: -2

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The Avs have 4 days to solve their issues and hopefully deal with some health problems. I assume there will be callup(s) from the Rampage at some point. Next game is Tuesday vs the Stars.