3 Takeaways From the Avalanche’s 5-2 Game 2 Win Over the Wild

After a wild (pardon the pun) Game 1, it is safe to assume that most people expected a slightly more calm Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild. In an effort to swing the momentum, the Wild decided to go with Filip Gustavsson over Jesper Wallstedt.

The move didn’t seem to do much to slow down the offensive firepower of the Avalanche. Colorado jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, comfortably winning Game 2 by a 5-2 score, claiming a 2-0 series lead heading back to Minnesota.

The Avalanche Have the Clear Advantage in Goal

It was difficult to see in the shootout that was Game 1, but the Avalanche got a few key saves from goalie Scott Wedgewood. After Game 2, it seems evident that the Avalanche have a distinct advantage in goal.

Coming into the playoffs, the Wild had one of the best goaltending tandems in the league. Wedgewood had emerged as the starter for the Avalanche, and it felt like this could turn into a battle of goaltending between two very good teams.

The Avalanche figured out a lot of their defensive flaws in this one, and Wedgewood was outstanding. He turned aside 29 of 31 Wild shots and was a difference in the way that Gustavsson could not be. We will see if that advantage continues throughout the series or if the Wild can get on track at home.

Colorado Has Unmatched Skill Off the Rush

It is no secret that the Avalanche have a lot of firepower. What became apparent watching Game 2 is just how skilled they are when they are attacking off the rush. There were a few plays in which the Avalanche played tic-tac-toe with deft passes at high speed.

These teams are close in a lot of ways, but the Avalanche seemingly showed themselves to be the better team off the rush. They kept Gustavsson on his heels, making it difficult for him to get set and play to his angles.

Team speed is definitely an asset, especially during this time of the season when it can be tough to gain separation and find space. The Avalanche push the pace down the ice, making life tough on what is normally a good Wild defense.

The Power Play is Clicking

All season long, we heard about the struggles of the Avalanche power play. How could a unit with all that talent struggle so badly? It looked like they may have figured things out down the stretch, looking far better coming out of the Olympic break.

It seems like they may have turned the corner. The comeback kid Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon both scored with the man advantage, bringing the Avalanche up to 4-for-18 in the playoffs (good for fourth in these playoffs).

The Avalanche are deadly as it is. If they can continue to click when they have an advantage, it will make them virtually impossible to beat. The final piece of the puzzle seems to be falling into place for the Avalanche, making them even more formidable.

Avalanche Making Short Work of Their Toughest Series?

Everyone expected this to be a major battle, threatening to go to six or seven games. With 14 goals through two games, it seems like the Avalanche can’t be stopped. The Wild will be under severe pressure to get back into the series in Game 3 or join the Kings as having been run over by the Avalanche.