January 1st 2025.
Casey Mittelstadt's night started with a demotion, but it ended with him being the hero. His first goal in 19 games helped the Avalanche secure a 5-2 victory over the division-leading Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on Tuesday night. It was the team's fifth consecutive win and their ninth in the last 11 games.
Mittelstadt's incredible performance did not go unnoticed by Avs coach Jared Bednar, who praised the young player's improvement. Bednar noted that Mittelstadt had a noticeable boost in his step and was quick both on the offensive and defensive ends, making it his best game in a while.
However, the Jets were not an easy opponent, despite playing the night before and resting their star goalie. Backup Eric Comrie stepped up and made 33 saves, keeping the game close. The Avs, on the other hand, were at their healthiest, and this allowed Mittelstadt to start the game as the center on the fourth line.
But Mittelstadt's hard work paid off when he redirected a shot from Josh Manson to give the Avs a 3-2 lead. Manson had two primary assists in the game, and Mittelstadt was grateful for the opportunity to score such an important goal for his team.
The Avs were finally able to play with their top offensive players all in the lineup, but their good fortune did not last long. Just 36 minutes into the game, Valeri Nichushkin was hit by Logan Stanley along the boards, and he did not return to the ice for the rest of the game. The Avs confirmed that Nichushkin suffered a lower-body injury, but it was not a result of the hit to his head.
Bednar expressed his frustration with the constant injuries that have plagued the team this season, making it challenging to maintain consistency in their lineup. Despite the challenges, the Avs were still able to secure the win, with Artturi Lehkonen scoring the first goal of the game and Devon Toews and Ross Colton adding to the tally.
Mittelstadt's resurgence was a significant development for the team, and he credited his coaches for their support and guidance. He acknowledged that he had been in a bit of a slump, but with the help of his coaches, he was able to get back on track and contribute to the team's success.
In the end, it was a well-deserved win for the Avalanche, who have been on an impressive streak lately. With the team getting healthier, they will surely be a formidable force in the league. Want more Avalanche news? Sign up for the Avalanche Insider for all the latest updates and analysis.
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