Game 5 Recap: Show Time

By Richard Gonzalez

The Colorado Avalanche looked to close out their series against the Arizona Coyotes being up 3-1 in the series. The Avalanche had a big 7-1 win in game four and did not slow down for game five. Lead by Nathan Mackinnon and Nazem Kadri, the Avalanche annihilated the Coyotes 7-1 again to close out the series and advance to the next round of the playoffs.

The Game:

The Avalanche took advantage of two consecutive power-play chances as Kadri and Same Girard would each score. Kadri would extend the lead when he buried a breakaway to score his second of the game. Mackinnon would also get a power-play goal and even-strength goal in the second period. The touchdown was achieved when Nikita Zadorov got a tip in front of the net to make it 6-0. Clayton Keller got the Coyotes on the board in the third, but the Avalanche answered back with a goal from J.T. Compher. The Avalanche went 3/4 on their power play and killed off the two penalties they took.

Quote Of The Game:

When asked about heading to the second round, “It is a first for me,” Kadri said with a laugh via NBC. “I will definitely take it. It is a great feeling. We have a great group of guys in that dressing room and every guy contributed to this series. That is what makes it an effective team”

Stats:

Kadri has a total of five power-play goals and most since Joe Sakic in 2001 (Source: Mike Chambers). Mackinnon had four points (two goals and two assists) and extended his point streak to eight games. Zadorov scored his first goal of this playoffs. Mikko Rantanen, Andre Burakovsky, J.T. Compher, and Gabriel Landeskog each had two assists. Joonas Donskoi (assist), Matt Nieto (assist), Cale Makar (assist), and Girard (goal) each had points.

NHL’s three stars:

1. Nathan Mackinnon (two goals and two assists)
2. Nazem Kadri (two goals)
3. Mikko Rantanen (two assists and +2 rating)

I would have to agree with NBC and add Makar as the third star with his assist and +3 rating. Also, Kadri had a solid 200-foot game and broke up a Coyotes play by backchecking.

Analysis:

I did expect the game to be a lot closer than it was and thought Darcy Kuemper would be able to steal another game for his team. The Avalanche just outplayed the Coyotes in every aspect of the game. The two back-to-back power plays stung the Coyotes, but the third goal really stunned. The “history repeating itself” kind of feel.  I loved how Compher scored the seventh goal but did not celebrate out of respect. It showed a lot of character and class on his part. This was almost a perfect game minus not getting a shutout, but even the Coyotes lone goal was on a perfect tip. The Avalanche made a huge statement that they mean business and hungry for the Stanley Cup.

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August 20th, 2020