Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche showcased a convincing performance with all four lines contributing both offensively and defensively, leaving the Los Angeles Kings no chance to find their rhythm. With Logan O’Connor opening the scoring for the Avalanche, they remained strong for the entire 60 minutes, despite taking several penalties. Alexandar Georgiev was again unstoppable in net, making 25 of 26 saves. It was a testament to the way the Avalanche played. They kept the Kings to under 30 shots on goal in the 5–1 victory over the Kings.
Takeaways
— Logan O’Connor and his 2nd line team mates really have chemistry on the ice. With their combined speed and hockey IQ, they find ways for the others on the line to score. Tonight it was O’Connor. After a hat trick last two games ago, the team were passing to him in the last minutes in hopes he would put the third goal in the net, but it wasn’t to be. O’Connor now has an impressive seven goals in the last 12 games.
LOC gives us a 1-0 lead!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Uqbq6MpnSx
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2024
Blink and you'll miss it 🚨#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/QiPVM67VZz
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2024
— Alexandar Georgiev is playing some amazing hockey, making key saves when there are defensive breakdowns. It was noticeable that he did not let many rebounds go back to the Kings for further scoring chances. Showcasing the work he has put in this season to up his game and be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.
Alexandar Georgiev's SV% the last 3 games:
at PHI: .900
vs WSH: .920
VS LAK: .962This is his first 3-game stretch of .900 or better since a six-game stretch about two months ago pic.twitter.com/04IlZDS9X8
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) January 27, 2024
— Each of the Avalanche’s four lines contributed tonight. Whether that was with scoring or strong defensive players on every line were noticeable. Artturi Lehkonen, in only his second game back, had some good scoring chances, similar to his last game. Josh Manson stood up in defense and scored a goal. The top line was dynamic, as usual. Coach Jared Bednar would have to be happy with all the contributions.
Nathan MacKinnon has tied Bobby Orr for the second-longest season-opening point streak in NHL history at 25 games. Orr did it with the Bruins in 1974-75.
MacKinnon has 21 goals and 31 assists in all 25 home games this year.
— Ryan Boulding (@rboulding) January 27, 2024
— It was fortunate that Colorado’s power play units were dialed in. The Avalanche took several penalties, seven in total tonight against the Kings. Kurtis MacDermid was not happy with several of the calls.
Conclusion
Tonight was O’Connor’s night with Georgiev, a close second. I’m unsure if it is a good thing that the Avalanche get another long break now, because of the bye week and the All Star game. For some players battling niggling injuries, it might help as the team begins the push to the playoffs. Following the win and gaining two more points, the Avalanche now lead the Central Division. Colorado will not play again until February 5th against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.