The Colorado Avalanche took a 2-1 series lead over the Winnipeg Jets Friday night at Ball Arena.
The first two periods were a defensive struggle. Colorado led 1-0 at the first intermission, and Winnipeg led 2-1 at the second. Then, in the third period, the train completely left the tracks.
The Avalanche exploded for three goals in just seven minutes of ice-time. The onslaught left The Jets in full-panic and goalie Connor Hellebuyck lying in his crease looking defeated.
Ross Colton would tip-in a fourth goal in the period to ice the game, and Devon Toews would strike the empty net to finish the effort 6-2 on home ice.
Here are the key takeaways from Friday night’s Game 3:
Second Best
The Avalanche’s second forward line of Casey Mittelstadt, Artturi Lehkonen, and Zach Parise combined for five points Friday night. No line for the Winnipeg Jets has scored combined for five points this entire season, and that was the clear difference in Friday’s tilt.
Mittelstadt made his presence felt all over the ice as his silky smooth passing set up goals that no goalie would have a prayer to save. For it being the third playoff game of Mittelstadt’s career, he looks comfortable in the moment.
Not since Nazem Kadri left town have the Avalanche featured a second line that can outproduce their first. Kadri’s last season in Colorado saw the Avalanche hoist the Cup after routing the entire Western Conference with ease. The NHL might be in danger.
One Square Foot of Real Estate
In the iconic 90s drama The West Wing, Leo McGarry famously states, “A smart guy said the presidential elections are won or lost on one square foot of real estate: up here-” pointing to his head.
So, too, it seems, are playoff series.
The Avalanche took a pivotal lead in the series, but perhaps more important was how they won. The five-goal third period left the Winnipeg Jets’ emotions on full display to all watching.
Likely Vezina Trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck laid face down in his crease. Adam Lowry lost his temper and initiated a fight with Miles Wood. Lowry managed to be slammed down to the ice with his sweater over his head, all despite not dropping his stick in the melee.
Brenden Dillon skated up to Joel Kiviranta as the final horn sounded and gripped him by the shoulders. He then kneed Kiviranta in the groin when he hoped no one was looking.
The ensuing scrum was the second loss the Jets took on the night. Dillon was quickly visited by karmic retribution, slicing his hand in the pile-up he created.
The Avalanche have out-shot, out-chanced, out-scored, and all-around out-played the Jets in all three games. The loss in Game 1 was a goaltending issue, but Alexandar Georgiev has since regained his form.
Looking ahead
Game 4 of the first round series will be hosted at Ball Arena on Sunday, April 28, at 12:30 p.m. MST. Coverage will be available on TNT, TruTV, and Max streaming service.
More must-reads: