Not that the Avalanche can or should take anything for granted, but their chances of earning a Stanley Cup playoff berth for the second season in a row increased substantially Tuesday night.
After overcoming an awful first period and 2-0 deficit to defeat Edmonton 6-2 at the Pepsi Center, the Avalanche learned that Arizona dropped a 3-1 decision to Los Angeles, reducing the magic number to one point to clinch the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
The Avalanche have a four-point lead over the Coyotes with two games remaining and need one point – or an Arizona loss in any fashion – to claim a place in the postseason party.
It could happen as early as Thursday when they play Winnipeg at the Pepsi Center while the Coyotes play in Vegas. The Avalanche finish regular-season play Saturday in San Jose, and the Coyotes are home against the Jets. “We see the standings, we got through tonight and that’s huge,… said Alexander Kerfoot, who continued his strong play with two goals. “It’s all we can do.…
My NHL.com GAME STORY
The Avalanche seized control with second-period goals from Nathan MacKinnon (his career-high 40th and 400th NHL point), Tyson Barrie, Kerfoot and Colin Wilson in a 7:08 span and added third-period goals from Kerfoot and Sven Andrighetto.
Just for fun, check out Wilson’s goal. Who would of thought he had this in him?
We're spending our entire #WilsonWednesday watching this.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/IEcMufEzgM
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 3, 2019
Semyon Varlamov, in his first game since March 15, got off to a shaky start but stopped all 19 shots he faced over the final two periods and finished with 27 saves.
Varlamov got the nod to give Philipp Grubauer a much-needed rest. Grubauer started the previous eight games that included a 3-2 shootout loss Monday in St. Louis.
“It was (a) tough (decision), but I got a lot of faith in Varly,… coach Jared Bednar said. “He played really good before Grubauer established himself and took the net recently. It’s just a tough back to back. To me, it was a game that I think Varly can come in the net for us. He let in the one bad goal, no question, but he was really good after that.…
The Oilers, who took the first nine shots, got first-period goals from Milan Lucic on a deflection and Darnell Nurse, who scored from a sharp angle along the goal line.
“I actually felt pretty good the first five minutes,… said Varlamov, who allowed four goals on 36 shots in his previous start, a 5-3 loss to Anaheim that put the Avalanche’s playoff chances in serious jeopardy. They’ve since gone 7-0-2.
“(The Oilers) shoot a lot from everywhere. When they scored that last goal, I was kind of upset. I knew it’s an important game and it doesn’t matter how the first period goes. I had to stay focused the whole game.…
Varlamov was feeling a lot better while watching Colorado’s second-period barrage.
“We came out really strong in the second period and it definitely gave me a lot of confidence,… he said. “I was just trying to stay focused and win this game. It’s important for us, we’re playing for the playoffs.
“I didn’t play for two weeks and the first period was kind of tough for me. The game is much faster than the practices. You don’t have time, but you kind of need time to get adjusted.…
The win was Varlamov’s 20th of the season, the sixth time he’s won at least that many in eight seasons in Denver. Patrick Roy did it eight times.
“I appreciate that the coach gave me a chance to play,… he said. “I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision because I haven’t played for a long time.…
Turned out, Bednar's faith in Varlamov paid off.