With 78 points and a 5-1-0 record against the Los Angeles Kings, the Avalanche are looking forward to clinching that President’s Trophy and the Number 1 seed in the Honda West Division. The Avalanche have had to face a number of lineup changes this season with many of their key players being on the injury report, Wednesday’s game was no exception. It was disclosed that there would be yet another change to the lineup. Newly 23 year old, defenseman Samuel Girard is back in the lineup after a six game rest. Forward Nathan MacKinnon is said to be missing the game but “will be good to go for playoffs”.
First Period
With a late start to the first period and the second power play of the game, Joonas Donskoi notched the first goal off a rebound courtesy of the Kings goalie, Calvin Petersen. Just as things were starting to heat up, the Avalanche found their footing, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was able to sneak a backhanded shot into the corner, making it 2-0.
With the net wide open and 45 seconds left on the clock, J.T. Compher one-timed Mikko Rantanen’s pass, giving him his first goal of the night, giving the Avalanche a 3-0 lead.
Want another look at Donskoi's goal?
Your wish is granted ✨#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/A9UfKkK47z
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 13, 2021
Second Period
J.T. Compher started the second period off stronger than ever, with his second goal of the night at 4:16. Compher’s goal Followed by a backhanded shot from Gabriel Landeskog about halfway through the second period, with assists from Devon Toews and Mikko Rantanen. This was immediately followed by Compher’s third goal of the night and first career hat-trick at 11:47.
Giving credit where it’s due Compher mentioned, “…All three goals were set up by great plays by teammates. Great job by those guys, made it easy for me”.
Happy for the hatty!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/k6pZjdlU1b
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 13, 2021
Third Period
The third period was scoreless, with only two minor penalties from each team. Overall, the Avalanche reigned over the Kings with a total of 37 to 18 shots on goal, giving goaltender Philipp Grubauer his seventh shutout of the season.
What’s next?
Coach Bednar has plans to start goaltender Jonas Johansoon in Thursday night’s game. The Avalanche play the L.A. Kings for the final time this season at home at 7 p.m. MST, in hopes of securing that top spot and the Presidents’ Trophy.