Game 4 was one of the worst for the Colorado Avalanche against the Dallas Stars in the second-round series. Rather than writing it off completely, the team took a constructive look and found things to use going into Game 5.
"Yeah, we stunk early. I was bad. I got to be better, especially early. I thought we had some, second half of the game, I'm sure they're just trying to hold the lead, so that's why we played well, but just not good enough," Nathan MacKinnon said after practice on Tuesday.
Head coach Jared Bednar said the team looked "frozen" in the first period and stressed the importance of having the jump right out of the gate.
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"It comes down to getting a start and trying to get a lead. For the first period, we didn’t do enough to do that, and I think our guys understand, especially now, the importance of trying to get a lead and forcing them to get out of their shell a little bit," Bednar said. "We just haven’t done enough early in the games and capitalized in some instances on some of our chances to try and get that lead."
Bednar did not make excuses for his team's loss, specifically related to the news of Valeri Nichushkin's untimely departure. The Russian forward was placed back in the NHL Player Assistance Program after violating rules implemented in the second stage of the program.
Instead, the Avs' head coach praised the return of his top-six forward Jonathan Drouin, who assisted on the only goal of the loss. He played on the second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Zach Parise.
“Yeah, it was great. You know I got to play with him a little bit here before playoffs as well," Mittelstadt said. "And you know, I love his game. I think (he’s) super smart and makes plays in all three zones. And I feel like we had a little bit of chemistry there. So yeah, it was a blast."
Mittelstadt, who came in at the trade deadline, said the leadership on his team keeps him sharp and ready for the next game.
“For sure. I've said it a lot. But the leaders in here, they lead and you know, especially as a new guy, I follow them. I mean, they've been here, they've done it. They know how to prepare to play," the 25-year-old Eden Prairie, Minnesota native said. "They're hard workers and it's not their first time dealing with a little adversity. So I think the main focus is just on the game tomorrow to one game at a time. Like I said, follow the leaders and get myself ready to play.”
The Avalanche were missing a key player and leader in Game 4 in Devon Toews, who was out due to illness. Bednar confirmed he was healthy and would play Game 5. His return is crucial in giving the Avs a chance to come out victorious in a must-win and force at least a Game 6 back in Denver.
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