The Colorado Avalanche came into their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning riding a three game win streak. In that span, the Avalanche have outscored their opponents 11–5. One of these wins even came with the backup goalie, Ivan Prosvetov, in net. The point is, the Avalanche are on a roll and made their win streak four games. They beat the Lightning with ease 4–1 at home. This will now become Colorado’s second longest win streak this season behind their season opening six-game win streak.
Takeaways
- Besides his shutout performance against Chicago on Oct. 19, this was the best that Alexandar Georgiev has played. He had a stellar .976 save percentage, stopping 40 of 41 shots on the net. He said he felt good after the game, and teammates credited his new hairstyle.
Crazy save by Georgiev on the re-direct in front #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/VfSChaCylG
— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) November 28, 2023
- Andrei Vasilevskiy, despite playing in only his second game of the year, did not play that bad. After recovering from a microdiscectomy or removal of part of a herniated disc in his back, he was fairly agile. He saved 20 of 23 shots despite the Avalanche’s pressure.
- If you want a goal, just give the puck to Valeri Nichushkin. Ever since his daughter was born a couple of weeks ago, he has been on an absolute tear. Nichushkin has eight goals and four assists in the last eight games alone.
- Cale Makar broke his own franchise record for points by a defenseman set in March of this year. He had previously set the record at 21 points and it now stands at 23…with one more game to go in the month.
Cale Makar's blast from the point goes through traffic and finds the back of the net. 3-0. Avs have converted on the power play in eight straight games #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/b3879dCRjI
— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) November 28, 2023
- Ryan Johansen has found a stride with Colorado scoring two goals against the Lightning. His ability to win at the face-off dot has become a key for the team to keep possession of the puck.
Tatar's initial chance was stopped by Vasilevskiy, but a trailing Ryan Johansen cleans up the loose puck for his second goal of the game. 2-0 #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/o6oMVj7Gow
— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) November 28, 2023
The Avalanche now have a strong hold on first place in the Central Division after defeating the Lightning. They now hold a four-point lead of the Dallas Stars and play the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. Following the loss in Nashville, the Avalanche faced doom and gloom just last week. That was the turning point that mattered most this season. Colorado is now playing some of their best hockey yet.