Avalanche get huge Jonathan Drouin sighting, but there’s a catch

The Colorado Avalanche are amid the start of another challenging battle in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche beat the Dallas Stars 4-3 in Game 1 of their second-round matchup. Moreover, Colorado provided a promising injury update on winger Jonathan Drouin on Thursday, but there is a catch.

Drouin skated with the Avs in Dallas on Thursday, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. Head coach Jared Bednar said Drouin has experienced encouraging progress; however, there is still no firm timetable for his return.

Jonathan Drouin has not played since Colorado’s April 18th regular season finale against the Edmonton Oilers after he suffered a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old was having a breakout year before his ailment. He played a career-high 79 games and amassed 19 goals, 37 assists, and 56 points.

Drouin provided Colorado with stout offensive support during the regular season. Hopefully, he continues to have an efficient recovery process.

The Avalanche are turning heads during the intense 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Colorado thrillingly beat the Winnipeg Jets in five games in the first round, and the team is off to a promising start against the Stars.

Dallas finished the regular season with 113 points, which ranked them first in the Central Division. As a result, many fans and analysts have them as a lock for a deep postseason run. Nevertheless, the Avalanche are giving the Stars a run for their money.

Colorado’s 4-3 win in Tuesday’s Game 1 matchup came off a gutsy performance from All-Star defenseman Cale Makar. Makar totaled one goal, two assists, and three points. He had help from Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin, and Mikko Rantanen, all of whom contributed two points.

It will be interesting to see how the Avalanche fare going into Game 2. Perhaps Jonathan Drouin’s update will provide the squad with a spark. Even without Drouin, Avalanche fans have great reason for optimism.

Avalanche look to continue momentum into Game 2

There are two reasons Colorado fans should be excited for Game 2 and beyond: the play of Valeri Nichushkin and the rise of Nikolai Kovalenko.

Nichushkin is on the verge of making NHL history after his standout Game 1 performance against the Stars.

“Valeri Nichushkin (8-1—9 in 6 GP) was pivotal in Colorado’s three-goal comeback win in Game 1 by scoring the first of his team’s three straight goals in regulation,” NHL Public Relations wrote. “His string of success was established at the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and enters Game 2 with the opportunity to join Pat LaFontaine (7 GP in 1992 w/ BUF) as just the second player in NHL history to score in each of his club’s first seven games of a postseason.”

The 29-year-old will continue to aid the flow of Colorado’s offense. If he continues his play, the Avalanche have a great chance of keeping pressure on the Stars. It is not just the immediate series that fans have hope for. One of Colorado’s up-and-coming players is showing great promise.

Nikolai Kovalenko made his Avalanche debut in the team’s 5-1 Game 4 victory over the Jets on April 28th. He showed flashes of offensive skill in the matchup and earned notable praise from Jared Bednar.

“He plays the right side and is a left shot. He’s a competitive guy. That’s why we called him up. We feel like he’s a good option to be able to step up and help, and he did. I liked his minutes. He didn’t play a lot, but he was responsible and took care of the puck. He has a physicality to his game. He’s not scared of the moment. He’s excited to be here..” Bednar said, per Colorado Hockey Now.

As Kovalenko continues to find his role, Colorado will benefit from the depth he provides.

All in all, things look bright for the Avalanche, but they must stay focused against a fiery Stars team.