Quick hitters from the Avalanche’s Game 2 overtime win, 2-1, against Nashville on Thursday night:
Kuemper’s B-Day. Avalanche starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper celebrated his 32nd birthday in style Thursday night. Kuemper saved 25 of 26 shots, with his lone mistake allowing a first-period goal from Predators forward Yakov Trenin (after defenseman Sam Girard misplayed a puck near the center line). Kuemper had struggled in two regular season starts facing the Predators — 0-0-2 with nine goals allowed and a .870 save percentage. But he has since turned the corner against Nashville. He’s turned away 48 of 51 shots through the first two playoff games. Avalanche backup Pavel Francouz won’t be called upon moving forward unless Kuemper is physically unable to play.
MacKinnon’s spark. A common theme between Games 1 and 2 of this series? Nathan MacKinnon’s first-period brilliance. He scored the first goal, again, on Thursday night against the Predators. MacKinnon’s speed on a breakaway chance down the left wing made Nashville’s defensemen appear to be in slow motion. He finished it off with a near-side post wrister to beat Predators goalie Connor Ingram (in his first NHL playoff start). MacKinnon’s postseason production is becoming legendary. He entered the night with the third-highest points/playoff game (1.41) in NHL history. MacKinnon trailed only all-time greats Mario Lemieux (1.61) and Wayne Gretzky (1.84).
O’Connor returns. Injured forward Andrew Cogliano (upper-body) did not play in Game 2, opening a spot in the lineup for Logan O’Connor. The former DU Pioneer wasted no time getting involved with an assist on MacKinnon’s first-period goal. O’Connor is one of multiple Colorado forwards, including Alex Newhook, battling for ice time within a deep position group. O’Connor now has two assists over eight career playoff games with the Avs. He skated on the fourth line with Nico Sturm and Darren Helm on Thursday. Cogliano is still considered “day-to-day” for a return to play.
