LOS ANGELES — The Avalanche failed to capitalize on St. Louis’ loss to Washington and fell 3-1 against the Kings at Staples Center. But the Avs still control their own destiny. If they finish 2-0 — including a win in regulation Saturday against the Blues in Denver — they will advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
THREE STARS
- Dustin Brown. His shorthanded goal was the game-winner for the Kings.
- Jonathan Quick. The Kings goalie was nearly perfect (28 saves).
- Alex Kerfoot. Avs rookie forward scored his 19th goal of the season.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
The Kings played with five defensemen most of the game after losing Derek Forbort to a leg injury early in the first period. Blue-liner Alec Martinez logged a game-high 32:11.
can’t get it done in LA, remain just a point ahead of STL
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
NEXT UP
At San Jose, Thursday
TAKEAWAYS
Rookie defenseman Sam Girard logged 22:55, second most for the Avs behind fellow blue-liner (26:18). Avs coach said his best two players were rookies — Girard and Kerfoot.
Win and you’re in. Pretty easy math. The Avs will advance to the playoffs by finishing 2-0 — as long as Saturday’s game against St. Louis is won in regulation. Right now, Colorado loses the tiebreakers with the Blues — regulation and overtime wins (ROW) and head-to-head.
MGM struggles. is not playing like the Great Nate we’re accustomed to this season. He has not scored a goal in his last eight games, and linemates and have also struggled. Playing on the road is a different deal for these guys, because the home team can dictate matchups. More on that Tuesday online and in Wednesday’s paper.
San Jose won’t likely rest any of its stars Thursday against the Avs, given than the Sharks (98 points) want to establish home-ice advantage in their first-round series against L.A. (96) or Anaheim (95). San Jose hosts Dallas on Tuesday.
Down to the wire. As Bednar said two weeks and as I have written, Saturday’s game at the will be a Game 7 environment. The winner (in regulation) probably moves on to the playoffs. The loser goes home for the off-season.
