Avalanche Rally in Overtime, Coach Calls Performance ‘Unimpressive’

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche secured a 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers at Ball Arena on Tuesday night, but head coach Jared Bednar was far from satisfied. “Unimpressive,” Bednar said, criticizing his team’s performance despite the win.

Colorado’s victory marked their 14th comeback win of the season, with defenseman Devon Toews scoring the game-winning goal 4:23 into overtime. Toews credited teammate Logan O’Connor for setting up the play. “[O’Connor] makes that whole play happen with his relentless forecheck,” Toews said. “That play does not happen without him on the ice.”

The Avalanche forced overtime when Artturi Lehkonen tied the game 2-2 with 1:13 left in regulation, tapping in a rebound after Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin failed to control a shot. “[Lehkonen] doesn’t score because he’s the most skilled guy,” Bednar said. “He scores because he’s an intelligent hockey player and he gives you maximum effort all the time.”

Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood was a standout for Colorado, making 27 saves, including several critical stops during Rangers breakaways. “He was the best player on the ice, either team,” Bednar said of Blackwood, who improved to 9-2-1 since being acquired from the San Jose Sharks last month.

Despite the win, Bednar expressed frustration with his team’s overall effort. “We had too many passengers,” he said. “We had some guys that had to have monster efforts just to stay in the game.”

The Rangers, who have earned points in five straight games (3-0-2), took a 2-1 lead in the second period with goals from Connor Carrick and Adam Edstrom. Carrick’s short-handed goal tied the game 1-1, while Edstrom capitalized on a 2-on-1 rush. “They competed and did everything we wanted to do for 58 minutes,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “It’s really difficult walking away and not getting that extra point.”

Nathan MacKinnon recorded an assist, becoming the first player this season to reach 70 points (15 goals, 55 assists in 45 games). Cale Makar also reached a milestone, earning his 50th point of the season, the most by a defenseman in Avalanche/Nordiques history.

The Avalanche improved to 27-17-1, while the Rangers fell to 20-20-3. Colorado continues its five-game homestand, while New York looks to rebound in its next matchup.