Jack Drury and Ross Colton were the stars in another not-so-exciting Avalanche preseason win. While there were no top six starters in the lineup, this matchup allowed the duo to work on finding chemistry with each other — and they did.
“They were pretty good. Big goal in the third. I really like that goal a lot too. It’s simple, but the execution and guys going to the net … We get rewarded twice from it. I like when things that we’re talking about in video sessions and practicing, when they show up in the game and we get rewarded for that,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
It was a slow start to the opening period for both teams until Drury scored off a perfectly placed pass from Colton at 9:17. The secondary assist was awarded to Sam Malinski.
Malinski has shifted to the left side, which is not his strong side, but he is adjusting and getting more comfortable there.
“I’m not looking for perfection. I played that first game and then took eight days, nine days off, whatever it was, so jumping back into routine again here tonight. But overall, I think it’s going well,” Malinski said.
“I’ve noticed the last two games, I’m still finding ways to jump up onto my right side. I’m just taking whatever ice is available, and whoever I’m playing with, they’re going to play on both sides too.”
Vegas forward Tanner Laczynski put the Golden Knights on the board in the first minute of the second period, and Joe Fleming gave them the lead at 8:05.
Jason Polin tied it up for the Avs two minutes into the final period with assists from Danil Gushchin and Keaton Middleton. Colton scored the game-winner at 14:06 and Joel Kiviranta added an empty-net goal for the 4-2 final.
Colton and Drury played together last season. Having familiarity with each other’s style, the pair made a connection quickly.
“I love the way he plays. We played a tiny bit together last year, right when he came over. I don’t know what the lines are going to be come day one,” Colton said. “He’s so reliable, you know where he’s going to be all the times on the ice. I love the way he plays in the D-Zone. He shuts plays down, and he moves the play forward for transition.”
Trent Miner made 22 saves as the Avs outshot the Golden Knights 34-24. The teams face off again tomorrow night at T-Mobile Arena.
