The Colorado Avalanche have been inconsistent of late, going 4-5-1 in their past ten games leading up to their game against the St. Louis Blues Friday. But the Avs dominated St. Louis from the get-go, scoring four first-period goals en route to a 5-0 win to bump their record to 30-21-2.
Here are this writer’s three key takeaways from the Avalanche’s win over the Blues:
1. Drouin has big night, generates great offense in opening period
The Avs’ dominance could be seen right off the bat, with Colorado jumping out to a 4-0 lead after 20 minutes of action. And winger Jonathan Drouin led the way, posting two goals and an assist in the opening frame.
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Drouin’s two goals give him eight for the year, and his assist gives him 14 helpers thus far this season. The Avalanche are more than happy to get secondary scoring, and that’s what Drouin provided against the Blues.
2. Smothering defense a very good sign for Colorado, as Blackwood posts first shutout as an Av
The Avalanche have usually been a very good team on offense, but their defense hasn’t been as good. But Colorado’s attack at both ends of the ice Friday was impressive.
The Avs outshot the Blues 36-19 on the night, making life easier for goalie Mackenzie Blackwood as he posted his second shutout of the season, his first shutout as a member of the Avalanche, and the 13th shutout of his NHL career. that’s a very positive sign for where this Colorado team is at right now. The Avs still need their offense to be the main engine in their game plan, but when they hold their opponents to fewer than 20 shots, there’s almost no way for other teams to beat them.
3. Beating Blues will be regular challenge in second half of season.
The Avalanche took on their Central Division rival in St. Louis Friday, but they still have three more games against the Blues in the remainder of the regular season. In the hyper-competitive Central, the Avs need every standings point they can get. And Colorado has the chance to bury St. Louis’ playoff hopes and boost their own playoff aspirations.
Those three games against the Blues will come Feb. 23 in St. Louis, March 29 in Colorado, and finally, on April 5 in St. Louis. The Avs should be motivated to stick it to the Blues the rest of the way, and crush their playoff hopes. And the way they beat the Blues Friday, the Avalanche should be confident they can beat St. Louis at any time of the year.
