*Photo from Sportsnaut*
It was promoted as a clash of the titans in the western conference, and it lived up to that billing. Valeri Nichushkin scored two goals, Devon Toews added two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames with a 2-1 win on Tuesday night in Calgary.
With the win, Colorado now has 6 wins in their last 8 games, and have opened up a 12 point lead on the Flames for the best mark in the western conference, while also in prime position to capture the presidents trophy. The Avalanche also reached the 100 point mark with the win, becoming the first team to reach that mark this season, and the 9th team in the last 45 years to do it in 67 games or less.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said after the game that it was a "Great win. Gutsy win by our group. I thought our team was highly committed on the defensive side of things. Power play steps up at the end gets us a big win. I'm proud of our group to this point of the season. I think a heightened since of urgency, commitment, purpose, buy-in from our group. I think it says everything. We're there for a reason and we've got to give the guys all the credit."
Getting the start in net was Darcy Kuemper, who put up a fantastic performance. Kuemper stopped a whopping 44 of the 45 shots he faced from Calgary, posting a very good .978 save percentage in the win. Kuemper's record improved to 31-9-3 on the season.
After a scoreless first period, Tyler Toffoli opened the scoring for the Flames on the power play, making it 1-0 at the 9:31 mark of the second period, his 18th goal of the season. On the power play for the Avalance, Nichushkin tied the game 1-1 on his 18th goal of the season 13:46 into the second, assisted by Toews and Cale Makar.
The lone goal of the 3rd period came from Nichushkin, who finished off a two goal night by knocking home his 19th goal of the season, coming 10:52 into the 3rd, also on the power play. Toews and Mikko Rantanen got the assists.
What was impressive about the Avalanche win is that they did it with a considerable injury report beforehand. Captain Gabe Landeskog will be out after undergoing surgery a few weeks ago, and alternate captain Nathan MacKinnon was out with an upper body injury. Defensemen Ryan Murray and Sam Girard were also out of action.
Kuemper said of winning through injuries that it is "Definitely a credit to the depth of the team. The willingness and ability for guys to step up their game and make up for the guys that are missing. Changing our approach to the game, obviously, really focusing on the defensive side of things tonight with some big offensive weapons missing. Just depth."
Making the start for Calgary was Jacob Markstrom, who did very well, but couldn't out-perform Kuemper. Markstrom stopped 28 of the 30 Colorado shots, posting a .933 save percentage but still getting the loss. Markstrom's record dropped to 31-13-7 on the season.
Flames head coach Darryl Sutter said that "Five-on-five we were good. I think we could have got around the net a little bit more and maybe get a tip or something like that. When you're playing against a defense like that, you've got to have a little bit of courage too."
Up next, the Avalanche play host to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, with Kuemper likely to get the start. Markstrom will start for the Flames as they battle the Los Angeles Kings at home on Thursday.
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