Jared Bednar's line changes didn't work out as well in Game 3. They worked wonders in Game 4.
Of course, it helps when Gabriel Landeskog comes back and immediately looks like ... that.
The top line from Games 1 and 2 were reunited with Artturi Lehkonen moving back up with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. It wasn't the best night for Necas but you could see what a difference it makes when that line has someone willing to go to the net and do the dirty work.
It was the second line that really made the building shake. Quite literally.
When Landeskog scored in the second period, Ball Arena went nuts. The domination from that line started well before that. Landeskog was not on the ice for a single Stars shot attempt in period one and with just minutes remaining in the game, the Avalanche had controlled 81% of the shot attempts with him on the ice.
Game 4 was easily Nelson's best performance in an Avalanche uniform, as he looked comfortable from start to finish. His rush on Landeskog's goal was something fans, and likely Jared Bednar, have been waiting to see.
Earlier in the day, Nelson sounded frustrated at his lack of impact on the series.
"I want and need to be a difference maker," Nelson said. "It's obviously not good enough."
In Game 4, it was good enough. The Avalanche will need him to continue to be a difference maker moving forward.
Game analysis and insights from The Gazette sports staff including columns by Woody Paige and Paul Klee.
David Carle continues to be picky with what NHL job he chooses to take, for good reason. He doesn't have to leave a good position if he doesn't want to.
According to a report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Carle withdrew his name from consideration for the Chicago Blackhawks head coaching job. The Blackhawks have been heavily rumored to be after Carle, potentially willing to offer him a contract that guaranteed his job for at least four years.
Carle is considered the top coaching option on the market after leading the Pioneers to multiple NCAA championships as well as back-to-back gold medals with Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
With Ottawa finally winning a game in their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, there will be no sweeps in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Gary Bettman's dream scenario is playing out.
Before he was injured, Kirill Kaprizov was the favorite for the Hart Trophy. He's showing why in the first round. Minnesota has put up one heck of a fight through four games against the Vegas Golden Knights and Kaprizov is a big reason why. He's already got eight points with a few highlight-reel assists.
That's been a super competitive and fun series to watch.
