Game 2 Recap: Buraed the Yotes

By Richard Gonzalez

The Colorado Avalanche took on the Arizona Coyotes in game two of their best-of-seven series. The Coyotes looked to even the series, but Andre Burakovsky and the Avalanche had other plans as they beat the Coyotes 3-2 to gain a 2-0 lead in the series. The only loss the Avalanche had today was when Vladislav Namestnikov went down with an injury after an accidental collision with Nathan Mackinnon.  

The Game:

The game had more of an upbeat tempo and the Coyotes showed more life than the first game. Superstar, Nathan Mackinnon got the Avalanche on the board first scoring his second in the playoffs. A misplay by Sam Girard got the Coyotes on the board for the first time this series. Each team traded goals, Tyson Jost at the 3:27 mark and Michael Grabner at the 5:06 mark if the second. In the third, Burakovsky was left alone in front of the net and would score on a slick pass by Nazem Kadri. This would be the deciding goal and would put the Avalanche up 3-2 to win the game.

Quote Of The Game:

“Definitely, our compete level will go up tomorrow and we’ll have a better effort,” Mackinnon said via Mike Chambers (The Denver Post).

Stats:

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, J.T. Compher, Kadri, and Matt Calvert each had an assist. Ryan Graves led the Avalanche in ice time (23:02), Erik Johnson had five blocks, and Philipp Grubauer had 30 saves on 32 shots.

NHL’s three stars of the game:

1. Grubauer, 30 saves on 33 shots.
2. Mackinnon, opening goal.
3. Burakovsky, game-winning goal.

 

Analysis:

The Coyotes came ready to play and at times, outworked the Avalanche. Mackinnon was flying out there and was the best player on the ice. He was the real difference-maker out there. Go to the net and good things will happen and that is exactly what Burakovsky did and got rewarded with a beautiful goal. The bounces were in favor of the Avalanche, but they need to elevate their game if they want a chance to raise Lord Stanley

Game Recap: Avs Edge Yotes

Next Game:

The Avalanche (away) will play the Coyotes (home) for Game three on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at 1:00PM (MT).

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August 15th, 2020