Star power. Avalanche superstar center Nathan MacKinnon has outplayed Calgary standout left winger Johnny Gaudreau, and it’s not even close. MacKinnon has three goals (two on the power play) and four points in the series. Gaudreau has one assist. The elite forwards tied for seventh in NHL scoring in the regular season with 99 points but MacKinnon has the big edge thus far. Also, Avs’ right winger Mikko Rantanen (goal, three assists) is having a more productive series than Flames top-line center Sean Monahan (goal, assist). If MacKinnon and Rantanen continue to fuel the offense, the Avs have the edge.
Twin 20s. Avalanche rookie defenseman Cale Makar is expected to play in his second career NHL game after making his impressive debut in Game 3 on Monday. But fellow 20-year-old blueliner Sam Girard — whom Makar replaced in the lineup — could return from the upper-body injury he sustained in Game 2. If Girard is cleared, both he and Makar are expected to be in the lineup, but the question is, will the Avalanche feature an extra defenseman (seven) and one less forward (11) or will the club scratch a veteran defenseman like Patrik Nemeth or Nikita Zadorov? Coach Jared Bednar on Tuesday was unsure of what he might do with his deep D-corps.
Special teams. Colorado began the series 0-for-8 on the power play but capitalized with man-advantage opportunities twice early in Game 3. The Flames scored a power-play goal in that game — their fourth of the series — but surrendered a shorthanded goal on the same power play. The Avs’ Matt Nieto scored on the penalty kill in Games 2 and 3 to become the first player in NHL history to score shorthanded goals in consecutive playoff games since 2012. Since losing Game 1 by going 0-for-4 on the power play and allowing two power-play goals, the Avs have evened the score heading into Game 4.
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: Calgary Flames, 8 p.m. Wednesday, ALT/NBCSN |
- Nuggets: At San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m. Thursday, ALT/NBA |
- Rockies: Philadelphia Phillies, 6:40 p.m. Thursday, ATTRM |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
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Scoreboard
NBA: Nuggets 114, Spurs 105
Full story |
MLB: Rockies 8, Padres 2
Full story |
Must-Read
Kiszla: Nuggets stop the pity party, fight back and beat the Spurs 114-105 to even NBA playoff series
The NBA playoffs dare a team to quit, take its ball and go home. For most of Game 2 against San Antonio, the Nuggets stunk. But rather than surrender, they kept fighting. And thatap the only reason Denver survived. Read more…
Colorado Avalanche has attempted 95 shots in its two playoff wins over the Flames, and tying records in the process
Colorado has attempted 164 shots in Games 2 and 3 and put a record-tying 56 on net against the favored Calgary Flames. Read more…
Joe Flacco leads Broncos into voluntary minicamp energized for bounce-back season
Joe Flacco’s 11-year NFL career prior to this season was played in Ravens’ purple, black and gold. The 34-year-old quarterback donned his new Broncos colors before reporters for the first time Tuesday to begin the team’s voluntary minicamp. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Chad Bettis “prepared for whatever” in new bullpen role; several Rockies near return from injured list
+ Avalanche balance toughness and smarts as Flames ignite playoff physicality
+ NFL draft preview: Iowa tight end duo expected to make history
+ Broncos Briefs: For Vic Fangio, “good” to be on the practice field for first time as coach
+ Spurs guard Bryn Forbes takes matchup with Gary Harris, Nuggets “personally”
+ New deal with Seahawks makes Russell Wilson highest-paid NFL player
+ Demaryius Thomas signs with New England Patriots
+ Lions QB Matthew Stafford sits out workout as wife has brain tumor
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
5
The Broncos should consider drafting a safety on Day 2. Here’s the scouting report of the 5 best options for Denver. Read more…
Parting Shot
New deal with Seahawks makes Russell Wilson highest-paid NFL player
Wilson’s $140 million, four-year extension puts him at the top of the NFL salary food chain for now. He has the highest yearly average salary. He has the highest signing bonus and guaranteed money in league history. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
