The Avalanche returned home for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, looking for a 2-1 lead in the series over the Calgary Flames. A building that has been kind to the Avalanche as of late.
That did not change Monday night, as the Avalanche trounce the Flames 6-2.
After splitting the first two games of the series, Colorado looked to get a fast start against the Calgary netminder, Mike Smith, and an electric start is exactly what the Avalanche got.
The Avalanche drew a 5-on-3 power-play with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first period, and Nathan MacKinnon took full advantage of the extra room on the ice. He picked up a pass from Tyson Barrie above the right circle and deposited the puck to the top right corner above Smith’s glove.
MacKinnon wasn’t done, as he would add another power-play goal a little over 5 minutes later. A beautiful pass from Mikko Rantanen found MacKinnon in the left circle for a one-timed goal.
MacKinnon would add another point by his name to the score sheet, as he found Cale Makar in a 3-on-2 streaking up the ice. In his first National Hockey League game, Makar netted the first goal of his career to put Colorado up 3-0.
Only one defenseman in NHL history has made their debut in the #StanleyCup Playoffs and scored… it's @Cmakar16. #NHLFirsts
🇺🇸 Watch: https://t.co/UheDIlwpZx @CNBC
🇨🇦 Watch: https://t.co/Ru1tdgCszT @CBC pic.twitter.com/PBB5zDh45n— NHL (@NHL) April 16, 2019
Matt Nieto would add another goal on the penalty kill to get the scoring started in the second period. It is his second short-handed goal in as many games.
Sam Bennett pulled the Flames back to within 3 goals, scoring his first of the playoffs, but Mikko Rantanen made sure the comeback hopes were squandered as he added his first of the playoffs as well. Colorado went into the final frame up 5-1.
Just 54 seconds into the final period, Erik Johnson tipped an Ian Cole shot past Smith, putting the nail in the coffin for the Flames. TJ Brodie would add one more for the Flames, but Colorado came away with the statement home win.
What did we learn from Monday night’s big playoff win?
1. Nathan MacKinnon picked up where he left off in Game 2. MacKinnon finished with 3 points on the night (2 G, 1 A) and played a huge part in the way this team started. He was flying all over the ice, making the Flames respect his offensive ability every time he touched the puck.
2. Cale Makar showed why he deserved the Hobey Baker award and why he belongs on this Colorado roster. At times Makar looked nervous, but he never looked out of place. He knew when to jump up in the rush up ice and when not to. He made strong defensive plays in front of his net. Overall, Makar looked like he belonged on the ice and on this team. He is going to be fun to watch for years to come.
3. Special teams were the difference in the game. Coming into Monday night’s game, Colorado was 0-for-8 on the power play. MacKinnon netted two power-play goals early to change that. The penalty kill was also red hot, as they were 5-for-6 on the night, with a short-handed goal. The special teams need to continue to be good for Colorado to continue to be successful in this series.
4. Defense and Philipp Grubauer continue to be red hot. Grubauer finished the game with 27 saves. He made big saves when he needed to but honestly wasn’t needed all that often. The defense in front of him was phenomenal, blocking 20 shots on the night, led by Ian Cole who had 5 of those blocks.
5. Home ice advantage is a real thing at the Pepsi Center. It was the loudest it has been all season. Not a seat was empty and not a single Avalanche fan left with their voice. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but the place was LOUD. Home ice in hockey is huge, especially in the postseason, and the Avalanche fans helped make the environment tonight a hostile one for Calgary.
Colorado looks to take a 2 game advantage over the Flames in Game 4 Wednesday night. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM MDT from Pepsi Center.