Nichushkin’s hat trick powers Avalanche to Game 4 win

The Colorado Avalanche took a commanding 3-1 series lead after defeating the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 at Ball Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring at the 8:10 mark of the first period, Cale Makar scored on a coast-to-coast play in the second period, and Valeri Nichushkin recorded his first career postseason hat trick and the 13th in franchise history.

Nikolai Kovalenko made his NHL debut, while Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev turned aside 26 of 27 in the win.

Let’s get to the takeaways.

Georgiev Continues To Shine

Georgiev had perhaps his worst showing as a member of the Colorado Avalanche just seven days ago, allowing seven goals on 23 shots in Game 1.

The 28-year-old was rightfully criticized for his performance, and questions arose whether he would — or perhaps should — start another game.

Head coach Jared Bednar put a lot of faith in putting Georgiev back in for Game 2, and the Avalanche netminder answered the bell. Over the last three games, he has given up a combined five goals on 81 shots (0.938 save percentage).

“It helps a lot when we’re playing so well, spending so much time in our zone, less chances for me to make that big save,” said Georgiev.

“Whenever the shots come, often you’re sitting there waiting, and then they come up with a good opportunity, so you try to be sharp and be there.”

Lehkonen’s Underrated Contributions

The acquisition of Arturri Lehkonen at the 2022 trade deadline could go down as one of the best ever in Avalanche history when all is said and done.

The Finnish forward contributed eight goals and 14 points en route to the organization’s third Stanley Cup that year.

With goals in all four games against the Winnipeg Jets, Lehkonen tied the second-longest goal streak to start a playoff year in franchise history. The almost 29-year-old tied Nathan MacKinnon (2022) and trails only Michel Goulet, who had goals in his first five games in 1985.

“If you really look at how many plays (Lehkonen) makes on any given night on the offensive side, on the defensive side, he doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for what he does for our team,” said Bednar. 

“He’s so valuable to our team in every aspect: power play, penalty kill, five on five, down goals, up goals, scores big goals. The guy is a relentless worker.”

On The Brink

For as poorly as this series started, the Avalanche now have a chance to end the Winnipeg Jets’ season at Canada Life Centre on Tuesday.

Colorado can expect a hostile environment from puck drop and getting everything the Jets have in the tank to stave off elimination.

It goes without saying, but the Avalanche can quiet the crowd with the all-important first goal.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said forward Casey Mittelstadt. “We’re going on the road and obviously it’s an energetic barn there. We’re gonna be ready to go.”

Game 5 is set for a 7:30 p.m. MT puck drop on Tuesday.

Highlights