Key Highlights
- The Colorado Avalanche need their star players to step up as Cale Makar’s availability is uncertain.
- Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas have not scored at 5-on-5 in the playoffs, despite generating expected goals.
- Avalanche coach Jared Bednar emphasizes the importance of creating more difficult looks for their top players.
The Avalanches and Their Struggles in the Playoffs
Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) passes the puck as Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Dylan Coghlan (52) falls to the ice during the second period of Game 2. This isn’t just any game; it’s part of a much larger narrative unfolding in the Western Conference finals.
With Cale Makar’s status uncertain for Sunday’s Game 3, the Avalanche are left with their other top players to carry them through. It’s not about waiting for Makar to return—it’s about making sure the players who are currently on the ice perform at a higher level.
The Numbers Game
When you look at the numbers, Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas aren’t just underperforming—they’re generating very few expected goals. MacKinnon has been shooting well with a 24.1% shooting percentage but still hasn’t scored a goal in regulation time.
Yet, the underlying stats don’t tell the whole story. Makar isn’t the only reason the Avalanche won the President’s Trophy; they have other talented players capable of stepping up. But right now, it’s not happening.
A Coach’s Perspective
“We got to find a way to produce, right?” Bednar said. “Part of the reason why their top guys are producing is we’re giving them those easy opportunities. They’re not giving those to us.”
Bednar isn’t blaming his team; he’s pointing out that when your top players can’t get good looks, it’s a struggle. His frustration comes from knowing they need more from MacKinnon and Necas, but the situation is complicated by the sheer volume of chances these players are generating.
Must-Wins and Must-Performances
Friday was as close to a must-win game for the Avalanche as you could get. Sunday’s Game 3 is an absolute must-win if they plan on coming back from this series. The margin for error is thin, and these top players need to start converting those chances into goals.
It’s not just about one player or another; it’s about the collective performance of a team that has been dominant all season but isn’t quite hitting its stride in the playoffs. The Avalanche can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes if they want to have any chance against the Golden Knights.
