3 Ways Game 2 Can Work More In The Avalanche’s Favor

Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesRon Chenoy-Imagn Images

Winning Game 1 is important in many ways. For the Avalanche, it allowed them to assert their status as the Presidents’ Trophy winners early in the series, before the doubt trickles in for a team that has all the tools.

Colorado defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday. At times, it didn’t feel like a one-goal game. The advanced metrics weren’t entirely in the Avs’ favor either, but it still felt like the Avs imposed their will. Over the final 40 minutes of action, Jared Bednar’s club had tons of rushes up the ice. They controlled play in the L.A. zone and were snapping the puck around in a way that was reminiscent of the team that won 55 games in the regular season.

It just didn’t entirely translate to the scoreboard. Not until late in the second period, at least.

Here are three ways the Avs can improve in Game 2 and gain their first 2-0 series lead since 2022.

Get Started Quicker

At times, the first period felt like a massive victory for the visiting Kings. Their squad isn’t as talented as the Avalanche. They don’t score as often, they don’t always defend as well (albeit recently they’ve been much better), and they’re riding a hot goalie that, for their sake, hopefully doesn’t fizzle out too soon.

In those opening 20 minutes, the Kings were outshot, but they threw their bodies around. They played a great road period to open a series and were excellent on the penalty kill for two minutes.

Then came the second period, and we saw the Avalanche start skating and moving like they usually do. This time around, it would be wise to get that going quicker. Build a lead early and have the Kings start chasing for more than just 25 minutes.

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