The first preseason game is in the books with the Avalanche securing a 5-4 OT victory at the Pepsi Center against the Ducks. Here are the three things that stood out.
No. 3 — Colorado has a deep farm system
Last night, Mikko Rantanen scored a goal (this year’s first round pick), Conner Bleackley scored a goal (last year’s first round pick) and Nikita Zadorov (the centerpiece of the ROR trade) had two assists including one on the overtime game winner.
Zadorov made a couple of mistakes early but played well overall. He is definitely a bit rough around the edges as noted by Mark Moser on Twitter but the talent is absolutely there.
Like I said 3 weeks ago, Avalanche fans are going to LOVE Zadorov… absolutely love him. He's a bit untamed, true, but awesome to watch.
— Marc Moser TV (@RadioMoser) September 23, 2015
The highlight of the night without a doubt was Bleackley’s goal.
Conner Bleackley @Bleacks9 just scored a beauty goal, nosed hard to the net with no fear. Nice to watch!
— Mark Rycroft (@RycroftMark) September 23, 2015
The future is bright at the Pepsi Center.
No. 2 — The new overtime format is going to be great.
The overtime rule change was a topic of great debate this offseason. Instead of playing 4-on-4 hockey followed by a shootout if the game ends in a tie, teams will play 3-on-3 this year followed by a shootout. Last night gave fans their first glance at how exciting that is going to be.
Just wait until the season starts and Roy rolls out Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie as his first OT line. Talk about speed!
No. 1 — Jack Skille might be pushing for a roster
Jack Skille who?
After notching a goal and an assist last night that was the question most people at the Pepsi Center were asking. The Avalanche desperately needed scoring from outside of the top two lines last season. Blake Comeau was signed to address that issue but last night it was Skille who stood out in the role. Keep your eyes on this guy.