LOS ANGELES — In his final year with the New York Rangers, John Mitchell played in the 2012 Eastern Conference finals, the highlight of his NHL career. On a different level, Mitchell’s second season with the Avalanche is similarly special.
“It’s unbelievable,” Mitchell said about playing a key role on a 17-5 team. “The regular season and playoffs are a whole different game, but it’s certainly kind of similar to the Rangers. I feel like this is even more special, better in a lot of ways.”
Mitchell assisted on Jamie McGinn’s overtime goal Saturday night that beat the 2012 Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings 1-0 at the Staples Center. Colorado improved to 8-2 on the road, including 3-0 in overtime, and the assist stretched Mitchell’s scoring streak to three games (four points and two goals), which coincides with the team’s winning streak.
Mitchell usually is the Avalanche’s fourth-line center on a team deep down the middle. He is a staple on the penalty kill and often plays on the power play, which is highly unusual for a fourth-liner. Coach Patrick Roy had him on the ice with McGinn in the four-on-four overtime because Mitchell is capable in all three zones.
When the Avs are banged up at forward, including recently with Alex Tanguay (knee) and Matt Duchene (oblique) out of the lineup, Mitchell centers the third line — Colorado’s most productive of late — and plays regularly on the power play and penalty kill.
He is the Avalanche’s most versatile forward, given that he’s a physical player who also can be a top-six forward on the wing. He scored a goal last week in a 5-1 victory against Chicago in Denver and again in the Avs’ 4-3 overtime victory at Phoenix.
“You want to get more minutes, play in more situations. That’s something every player wants, to be in an opportunity to play a little more,” Mitchell said of playing above the fourth line.
Without Duchene, the Avs’ top center and leading scorer, the third line has made up for the loss. Mitchell’s wingers, Cody McLeod and Max Talbot, have been superb at both ends. McLeod scored the late third-period goal that forced overtime against Phoenix, and Talbot had two assists against Chicago.
Against the Kings, Mitchell inadvertently almost blew it for the Avs. His high sticking double-minor late in the second period gave L.A. its best stretch to score. Mitchell bloodied Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell.
“It was a tough play. My stick rode up his stick and got caught in the glass and ends up getting wedged in his face,” John Mitchell said. “I’m really happy the boys were able to kill it off.”
The boys had Sunday off and will return to practice Monday to prepare for another Central Division showdown with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, this time in Denver.
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or
