Recap: Avs clinch Central Division title behind Nichushkin’s two-goal night

· Yahoo Sports

Jared Bednar and Colorado were unable to clinch the division on home ice against the Blues on Easter Sunday, but they would get another crack at it tonight in St. Louis.

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Their second meeting in three days fit the season of rematches and revenge, with Colorado finishing with two points this time around.

Valeri Nichushkin would score twice, including a shorthanded goal, with Martin Necas netting the other for the Avalanche, and Scott Wedgewood collecting 19/20 saves and his 29th win of the season.

The Game

Val Nichushkin had one goal in his last twelve games before tonight’s game, but he picked a great night to get out of his skid and started the scoring with a wonderful re-direct.

Sam Malinski made a nice pass along the blue line that found Devon Toews’ stick. His point blast was deflected past Hofer, who didn’t stand a chance behind Nichkuskin’s large frame.

Colorado took the 1-0 lead with 3:29 left in the first frame.

Just when it looked like we’d head to the intermission, a one-goal game, Colorado’s top line and D pair pinned the Blues in their own end in patented Avalanche fashion.

MacKinnon was strong on the puck in the corner, which, when supported by a pinch from Devon Toews, turned dangerous.

Once the puck landed on Artturi Lehkonen’s stick, he sent it right back to MacKinnon, who attacked the net and made a quick tap pass to Martin Necas.

Marty would tuck the puck over the shoulder of Hofer and give Colorado a 2-0 lead after one period of play.

Colorado’s third and final goal of the evening would come just 1 minute and 40 seconds into the second frame. That means the Avalanche scored all their goals in 5:09 of game time.

This shorthanded exclamation point once again came from Val Nichushkin, and of the between-the-legs variety.

We’ve seen Nichushkin attempt this shot a few times without success, but this one trickled just enough to light the lamp.

Nothing like a late goal of the year candidate to make it 3-0 Avalanche.

Robert Thomas had a hat trick on Sunday, but his one tally late in the second is all the Blues would do to muster up a fight, leaving a final score of 3-1 Avalanche and crowning the boys in Burgundy and Blue for the lucky 13th time in franchise history.

Takeaways

The Avalanche could have clinched the Presidents Trophy and home ice throughout the playoffs if Boston had also bested Carolina in regulation this evening. Still, they fell to the Canes in OT.

No worries, Colorado will clinch as soon as Carolina loses another in regulation, or Colorado collects another 2 points.

Valeri Nichushkin had just three goals shy of the 20-goal mark this season, and his 17 (this season) ranks 5th highest of his 11-year career.

Val seemed to fight his game a bit on the scoring side this year compared to years past, but is still plenty productive in what feels like a “down-year” after his 28-goal performance in 2023-24.

Scott Wedgewood’s back collided with the post, and he went down, clearly in discomfort. Following the game, he said he just lost his breath and felt fine after getting it back and moving around a bit.

Although it explains why he didn’t leave the game tonight, it’s something to keep an eye on, given that Wedgewood has dealt with tightness in his back earlier in the season.

Speaking of scares, Nazem Kadri did, in fact, miss shifts before not returning for the third period entirely tonight. Jared Bednar didn’t give a clear update in the post-game presser, mentioning his playing or not playing in the next contest could depend on pain tolerance.

Bednar, although pleased with the outcome, was very clear in his messaging that they are not remotely close to the finish line or to realizing their goals this season.

Upcoming

The Calgary Flames will visit Ball Arena for another date with the Avalanche on Tuesday.

Let us know what you thought of this contest in the comments!

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