November 22nd 2024.
The Colorado Avalanche recently had a rough game against the Washington Capitals, with three key forwards returning to the lineup but failing to achieve the desired result. However, in their most recent game, they faced the Capitals once again, this time with their starting goalie back in action, and looked much more like the team they hope to be this season. With a goal from Miles Wood and a strong performance from goalie Alexandar Georgiev, the Avs were able to defeat the Capitals 2-1 at Capital One Arena.
This win puts the Avs two games above .500 for the first time this season, and they have now won six out of their last eight games. Coach Jared Bednar expressed his satisfaction with the team's recent performance, acknowledging that it hasn't been perfect, but they were able to come together and get the job done.
The Avs took control of the game in the second period and were clearly on the offensive, which led to Wood scoring the go-ahead goal early in the third period. This line, consisting of Wood, Parker Kelly, and rookie Nikolai Kovalenko, has been on fire lately, with this being the third goal in three games for them.
Bednar praised their competitiveness and their ability to create scoring chances, as well as their knack for forcing the opposing team into icing calls, giving the top players on the Avs favorable matchups. The team's power play also had a lucky break, with Mikko Rantanen's shot deflecting off an opposing player's skate and finding the back of the net.
Rantanen's goal was his team-leading 13th of the season, and it was assisted by Jonathan Drouin, who was recently elevated to the top power-play unit. Drouin, along with Wood and Valeri Nichushkin, had returned to the lineup in the previous game against the Capitals, which they lost 5-2.
Despite not being able to play a perfect game against such a tough opponent, Rantanen was pleased with the team's performance, and Georgiev's strong play in goal was a major factor in securing the win. However, the Avs were also able to control the game for a large portion of the second period, with Thompson making some impressive saves to keep the score at 1-1.
In their previous game against the Capitals, the Avs had all their top-six forwards back in the lineup for the first time since last season, but were held to just six shots on goal. This time, they were able to generate more offense, with those same six forwards combining for 13 shots on goal, including Rantanen's goal.
The Avs started the game strong, but both teams struggled with over-passing at times. The Capitals were able to take advantage and score the first goal of the game with just under three minutes left in the first period. However, Georgiev's return to form and strong play in net helped the Avs secure the win.
Georgiev has been working to regain his confidence after a rough start to the season, and he has been successful in his past five starts, allowing just 10 goals. He acknowledged that there are still some improvements to be made, but he is focused on building his confidence and giving the team a chance to win every night.
Unfortunately for the Capitals, they were without their captain Alex Ovechkin, who suffered a broken leg in their last game and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals and is just 26 behind Wayne Gretzky for the all-time lead. With this win, the Avs have proven that they can compete with the best teams in the league and are on the right track to achieving their goals this season.
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