The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Arizona Coyotes in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a score of 3-0. The last time these two teams faced each other in the playoffs was in 2000 when the Avalanche defeated the Coyotes in five games in the first round. Here is the recap between the Avalanche and Coyotes.
It was a well-balanced period with both teams getting scoring chances on each end of the ice. However, the Avalanche outshot the Coyotes 13-3 during the period though the Coyotes were able to show some of their defensive presence.
The game was tied at zero heading into the second period.
Again, it was the Avalanche controlling the game primarily on the offensive end outshooting the Coyotes 15-4 during this period. Though, the Coyotes built up some momentum and kept up with the Avalanche throughout the first 10 minutes of the game keeping the game scoreless and tied at zero. And, one of the main reasons why the Coyotes were able to keep up was the performance of goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
The game was still tied at zero heading into the third period.
Whenever the Coyotes felt like they had momentum on their side, they didn’t utilize it to their advantage and couldn’t get the puck past Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer. On the other hand, Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri got the game’s first goal on a power play and solved the problem of getting the puck past Kuemper. 10 seconds later, Avalanche forward J.T. Compher scored to extend the lead to two. 1:13 after Compher’s goal, Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen scored the game’s third goal. The Avalanche scored three unanswered goals in 1:25 seconds in just this period alone.
Colorado won the game 3-0 and took the series lead 1-0.
Third Star: Gabriel Landeskog (1 assist)
Second Star: Darcy Kuemper (37 saves)
First Star: Nazem Kadri (1 goal)
Arizona just didn’t seem like they were in this game as a whole. Their defense wasn’t there and as a result their offense couldn’t produce as well. They also rely too much on Kuemper to make saves every time the Avalanche are in their zone. Arizona has to get back to their pressure defense and force Colorado to make turnovers.
On the other hand, Colorado continued to show why they are one of the most lethal offensive teams in the league. Their power play also continues to scare teams whenever they’re on the penalty kill. Also, it’s not just their superstars scoring goals. The Avalanche have players that can score on each of their four lines.
Game 2 of the Avalanche-Coyotes series is on Aug. 14 at 2:00 pm EST.
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