In his fifth season with the Avalanche, Josh Manson is as effective as he’s ever been since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks. At least that’s what it seems like through the first 34 games.
Against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, we got a little bit of everything from Manson. He recorded a third-period assist on what stood as the game-winning goal from Parker Kelly after recording the primary helper on Brent Burns’ opening tally. And in between the two, he was a physical force, laying big hits, breaking up plays, and fighting — and handling — Tanner Pearson in the second period.
“He’s an animal. He’s so important for this team when he can step up like that,” Martin Necas said.
It wasn’t the first time we’ve seen him impact a game like this. It also won’t be the last. In fact, in Colorado’s last game, Manson started a melee with Mason Marchment behind the net early in the third period, and it likely sparked what ended up being a come-from-behind victory over the Seattle Kraken.
Manson has always been a fan favorite. Unfortunately for him and the Avalanche, injuries haven’t always allowed him to be this guy. This is the full Manson experience.
All he was missing was a goal to complete the highly regarded Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
Still, all anyone wanted to talk about was Manson’s impact on arguably the most physical Avalanche game we’ve seen this season.
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