Three keys for Avs in Game 2
Puck possession. The Avalanche had plenty of chances to score in Game 1 but not enough extended offensive-zone time on the same attack. They need to establish a sustained attack, which usually stems from an efficient forecheck and forcing turnovers immediately after losing possession. The Flames had an unusually high 17 giveaways in Game 1 but still got the shutout.
Screened shots. Flames goalie Mike Smith made a handful of what appeared to be acrobatic glove saves in Game 1. But catching the puck isn’t as difficult if he can see the puck come off the blade of the shooter’s stick and all the way into his glove. The Avalanche didn’t have enough bodies in front of Smith to take away his sight lines.
Faceoffs. The Avs aren’t good at gaining possession directly from draws, finishing 26th in the 31-team NHL with a 48.1 percent success rate in the regular season. In Game 1 they were a dismal 35 percent (24 of 44), with going 4 of 13 and 1 of 6. Faceoffs aren’t considered an important statistic unless a team is really bad at them.
