3 major takeaways from Colorado Avalanche 4-3 OT win over Anaheim Ducks

The Colorado Avalanche notched up their first win of the season on Friday night over the Anaheim Ducks, winning 4-3 at the Ball Arena.

The Avs put together a strong overall performance, playing their best game of the season. Superstar Nathan MacKinnon got the game-winning goal; Ross Colton got two goals, with Casey Mittelstadt adding the other. Meanwhile, Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry and Ryan Strome scored for the Ducks.

So, here’s a deeper look at the three major takeaways from the Colorado Avalanche’s 4-3 OT win over the Anaheim Ducks.

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Three major takeaways from Colorado Avalanche's OT win against Anaheim Ducks

#3 The Avalanche played with a sense of urgency

The Avs played like it was a playoff elimination game on Friday night. Going into the tilt against the Ducks, the Avs were 0-4, with plenty of question marks surrounding them.

However, Colorado came flying out the gate, trying to establish their dominance over the Ducks. For the most part, the Avs managed that despite giving up two goals in the first period. But the final 40 minutes were all Avalanche, with a lopsided shot count proving it.

Eventually, the Avs outplayed and outshot the Ducks 49-19. The Avs did a great job of locking the game down late in the third despite giving up a late goal to force the game into OT. The tying goal was more of a tough-luck goal than incompetence by the Avs.

#2 Alexandar Georgiev had a bounce-back game

One of the much-maligned players thus far for the Avs has been Alexandar Georgiev. Nevertheless, he bounced back on Friday night, proving that he should be the Avalanche’s starter. While Georgiev wasn’t overly busy, he made key saves when he had to.

A good example came in the third period during a late Ducks’ power play. The Avs did a good job of keeping the front of the net clear. But the Ducks managed two solid scoring chances, with Georgiev shutting the door both times.

Overall, Georgiev looked a lot more composed from the second period on. He was sharp in the third, especially down the stretch. Georgiev made several big stops during the final moments of the game despite the Ducks scoring with 12 seconds left to force OT. Nevertheless, Georgiev held the fort in OT, helping the Colorado Avalanche secure the game.

#1 MacKinnon came through when needed the most

Avs’ superstar center Nathan MacKinnon carried the team on Friday night with a goal and an assist. But the big moment came in OT when he took on all three Ducks players and slided the puck past Dostal for the game-winner.

MacKinnon’s effort was huge, as it allowed the Colorado Avalanche to win the game. Beyond the win itself, MacKinnon’s effort is the sort of performance that’s expected from one of the best players in the NHL at the moment.