Avs Game Analysis: How The Road Trip Ended On An Up Note In Florida

Nathan MacKinnon and Alexandar Georgiev lead Avs to win in road trip finale.

Game 51
Avalanche 5, Panthers 3
FLA Live Arena | Sunrise, Fla.

I actually thought this was a boring game at one point. Boy was I wrong.

By the end of 60 minutes, I felt like that was one of the most entertaining games we had been treated to all season.

And at the end of those 60 minutes of play, the Colorado Avalanche came out on top, 5-3, on the road against a reeling, but talented Florida Panthers team. In doing so, they managed to claim three-of-a-possible-six points on this East Coast road trip coming out of the all-star break.

Logan O’Connor finally scored after going 0-for-2023 with a shorthanded tally early on. The power play got a big goal, while their special-teams counterparts in the PK unit were a perfect 4-for-4. The bottom six played well and the top-six was anchored by a two-goal effort from Nathan MacKinnon. There was a lot to be happy about regarding this game, but there always seems to be the same issue with this team this year…

Erik Johnson left the game with an apparent foot injury and did not return after blocking a shot on his ankle. EJ isn’t the player he used to be, but he’s still an important part of this defensive unit and his leadership skills with Gabe Landeksog out is vital. To lose him for an extended period of time creates a void on defense, a bridging of the gap between the puck movers and the defensive, heavy guys. What complicates any long-term injury news regarding EJ is that Brad Hunt was placed on waivers today and, if claimed, would create an even thinner bottom group of blueliners.