3 reasons why Colorado Avalanche won 4-1 against San Jose Sharks

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 at the SAP Center on Sunday. The Avs got their second win of the season after beating the Anaheim Ducks in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Sharks remain winless to start the season.

Ross Colton scored twice for the Colorado Avalanche, with Joel Kiviranta adding an even-strength marker in the third period. Cale Makar scored an empty-netter to seal the win. William Eklund scored on the power play late in the first for the Sharks.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Colorado Avalanche got their second win of the season against the San Jose Sharks.

3 reasons why Colorado Avalanche won against San Jose Sharks

#3. The Avs got the best goaltending performance of the season

Heading into the game, the Colorado Avalanche had a series of shaky goaltending performances from both Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen. But it was Annunen who turned in the best performance of the year for Avs’ goaltenders.

Annunen stopped 25 shots to keep his team in the game. But it was Annunen’s cool and composed demeanor during the second period that made the difference. The Avs ran into a penalty-filled period, including a 5-on-3 penalty kill. Nevertheless, Annunen stood tall, stopping the Sharks.

The strong goaltending performance will hopefully become something to build on for the Avs’ netminders.

#2. The penalty kill made the difference

The Avalanche ran into penalty trouble in the second period, taking five total penalties in the period. Miles Wood and Calvin de Haan took back-to-back penalties leading to a 5-on-3 shorthanded situation for over a minute.

The Avs did a great job of killing the penalty. However, it’s worth pointing out that the Sharks power play wasn’t as sharp as other teams the Avs’ have faced this season. The strong penalty kill is another positive sign from Sunday night’s game, potentially boosting the Avs as a part of the club’s turnaround.

#1. Ross Colton continues to shine

Ross Colton has filled in admirably on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The open left-wing spot left by the injured Jonathan Drouin has provided Colton with a unique opportunity to prove what he’s capable of doing.

Colton has scored two goals in back-to-back games, making a case for this permanence on the top six even when Drouin and Valeri Nichushkin return.

It’s crucial to highlight that Colton is otherwise the Avs’ third-line center. However, Colton could make it difficult for Colorado coach Jared Bednar to send him back to the third line when the club is fully healthy.

The Colorado Avalanche will be back in action on Tuesday in Seattle against the Kraken.