Great Day for the Avalanche; J.T. Miller Almost Traded; McDavid Suspension Incoming?

 
The Avalanche passed the first of three straight tests against top Central Division teams and had a great Saturday all around. J.T. Miller almost didn’t play because of a potential trade but ended up dressing in a game that saw two players get ejected late. And yes, one of them was Connor McDavid.

 
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All that and so much more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 19.

Colorado Hockey Now
We’ve got a lot to go over after a great Saturday of hockey for the Avalanche. Not only did the Avs score a big win over the Dallas Stars, but they also watched as the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild both lost in regulation. That’s as ideal a result as you could get if you’re the Avs.

The team is also feeling good about the play of their second line. Casey Mittelstadt, who has struggled basically since October, had a goal and two assists playing on a line with Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin. The wingers combined for seven points, and together, the trio dominated play.

Cale Makar and Drouin both scored their 100th career goal, too. Scott Wedgewood was victorious in his first start since suffering an injury on Jan. 2.

Following the game, Jere Innala was sent back to the AHL. The Avalanche practice at 11 am on Sunday and are currently short a forward. They’ll either call someone else up or, perhaps they’re preparing for the return of Valeri Nichushkin. We’ll find out over the next few hours.

Just an all-around great day for Jared Bednar’s club.

Around the NHL
J.T. Miller: Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell during the Saturday Night Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. He said the Canucks were deep in discussions with the New York Rangers for a deal that would’ve sent Miller back to the team that drafted him. Miller was supposed to be scratched for that reason on Saturday night but the trade fell apart and the 31-year-old ended up playing. He finished with two assists in 20:27 and had one of his better games in quite some time.

Match Penalty: McDavid was handed a match penalty for a vicious slash with just two seconds remaining in that game. After getting fined for a chicken wing to Minnesota’s Marcus Johansson earlier in the week, could McDavid be facing his first suspension? Sure seems like it if you ask me.

Vancouver’s Tyler Myers was also given a match penalty for an equally dirty cross-check to Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard behind the play.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins were throttled by the Washington Capitals.

Montreal Hockey Now: Jakub Dobes or Sam Montembeault? After the latest performance from Montembeault, the conversation is hotter than ever.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Big win for the Flyers, defeating the New Jersey Devils on the road.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Suddenly, the Devils are spiraling, having won just two of their last 10 games. What seems to be the issue?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings win a lot in the Todd McLellan era. But when they lose, they lose big.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Just a spectacular opening game to a busy NHL Saturday. The Senators completed an incredible comeback against the Boston Bruins.

Boston Hockey Now: Bruins captain Brad Marchand was benched in a crucial part of the game.

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