Avalanche 3 Keys

MacKinnon and company

Let’s tell it like it is: Since Game 2, Vegas has done a remarkable job of defending star center Nathan MacKinnon and wingers Gabe Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen — perhaps the NHL’s best line. The trio has done nothing at even strength in the last three games, and Rantanen’s two power-play goals are all the scoring they have mustered since producing five goals in the series opener. If the Knights continue to smother Colorado’s big line, the Avs are probably doomed for Game 5 and there probably won’t be a Game 7.

play to its identity

Broken record, right? But it’s what the Avalanche must do to regain the momentum in this series. Goalie Philipp Grubauer can only do so much. The Avs won’t win without playing their game — a fast-and-furious north-south style that puts pressure on the opponent in all areas of the ice. They must have quick and clean zone exits, take speed through the neutral zone and maintain possession in the offensive zone. Their forecheck must pressure Vegas’ defensemen to prevent clean exits. Colorado must get back to what does it great — and playing with its identity is bound to lead to power-play opportunities.

Grubi grounds

Grubauer needs to again be outstanding between the pipes and his defenders must prevent some of the bonehead plays they made in Game 4 — particularly Patrik Nemeth’s direct blind pass to Vegas forward Reilly Smith that led to the Knights tying it 1-1 in the first period Sunday. Vegas has proved it has as much speed or more than the Avs, and the Knights’ forecheck on Colorado defensemen trying to move the puck up ice has been a significant advantage. Avalanche defensemen must be as sharp as their goalie.