HC Jared Bednar lauds Nathan MacKinnon's $16M Avalanche linemate after flashy start to season

HC Jared Bednar praised Nathan MacKinnon's linemate, Ross Colton, after a flashy start to the season.

The Colorado Avalanche, who had a rough start, going 0-4-0, are back on track after a solid 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. The win was a second straight one for the Avs, highlighting that they're starting to find their groove.

Ross Colton, who signed to a four-year, $16 million contract, stood out, scoring twice to bring his total to five goals in the last three games. Bednar praised Colton's performance, highlighting his effectiveness in getting into scoring positions.

"He's (Colton) getting himself into scoring areas. He's been patient in those areas, moving in and out of, like, open areas of the ice, especially in the middle. And when he's getting opportunities, he's burying them."

The Avalanche coach noted that Colton is good at moving around the ice, especially in the middle, and when he gets chances, he's making the most of them:

"I just think he's playing with a ton of confidence. He skates really well. He's got the right amount of grit to his game. He looks (like) he's playing really well right now, and he's fitting in with those guys.

"And when he's getting opportunities to score, he's the one guy that's hitting the net and putting in the back of the net," he added.

Ross Colton was drafted 118th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 NHL draft and has been with the Colorado Avalanche for the last two seasons.

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Nathan MacKinnon and Avalanche hand Sharks their fourth straight defeat

On Sunday, the Avalanche handed the San Jose Sharks their fourth straight loss, beating them 4-1 at the SAP Center.

Colton put the Avs up 1-0 after scoring a one-time on the powerplay on Nathan MacKinnon's feed at 16:23 into the first period. He doubled his tally to give the Avs a 2-0 lead at 16:37 before William Eklund scored for the Sharks at 18:25 before heading into the second period.

After a goalless second period, Joel Kiviranta extended Colorado's lead to 3-1 before Cale Makar scored one on the empty net to complete a comprehensive win. Nathan MacKinnon accumulated two points in the matchup.