Malinski, like many of the Avs, seems to always be in playmaker mode, to include in front of and around their own net. Instead of defense first and preventing goals, it is about making a play to spring the offense. Some of those bad plays and decisions look like he is trying to make the play and not doing what is necessary to clear the zone safely.

I agree. I posted a similar comment under one of the other articles. Malinski is clearly more skilled, but his decision making has been really poor lately.

Did you see Middleton clear the front of the net? That’s the first time I can remember anyone not named Manson move a player out of the crease.

I’d swap Lehkonen and Nichuskin, and Toews over Malinski, but thanks for not putting MacKinnon and Middlestadt on the same PP unit like Bednar has been doing. 2nd unit is lost with no center.

Givani Smith is a known offender. I’m not sure why anyone would be surprised by his PIMs. Thankfully, we actually had a game without committing a too-many-men penalty.

I definitely agree that Nichuskin needs to be on PP1 and along with MacKinnon and Rantanen, Makar should also be shooting when he has the opportunity so Nichuskin and or Colton can try for a deflection. This team has too much talent to be struggling on the PP.

With Nichushkin and Colton, the PP can chase down dumped in pucks. Don’t be afraid to do it. With those two in front of the net, MacKinnon and Rantanen need to shoot more. The Avs tend to overpass looking for the perfect shot.