An Avalanche Comeback: Lehkonen's Double and the Controversial Assist
The Avalanche's thrilling comeback against the Sharks had fans on the edge of their seats, but it's the controversial assist that has everyone talking.
With a record of 37-9-9, the Avalanche, led by Valeri Nichushkin's three assists and Brock Nelson's goal, were determined to bounce back from their recent 3-3-0 performance in the last six games. Nathan MacKinnon, with two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood's 23 saves, played crucial roles in their victory.
However, the Sharks, with a losing streak of four straight games (0-3-1), weren't going down without a fight. Timothy Liljegren and Philipp Kurashev scored for the Sharks, keeping the game close.
And this is where it gets interesting... Manson's goal, assisted by Nichushkin, gave the Avalanche a 3-2 lead during the 4-on-4 play. But here's the controversial part: the pass from Nichushkin to Manson was a hotly debated topic among fans and analysts alike. Was it a clean assist, or did Manson's skill play a bigger role?
Lehkonen, the hero of the night, opened the scoring in the second period with a clever backhand shot that created a goal-mouth scramble. His persistence paid off as he knocked the loose puck into the crease and eventually over the goal line.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lehkonen's second goal, a snap shot from the right face-off circle, was assisted by MacKinnon, who made history with his 700th career assist. He joins an elite group of 63 players in NHL history, becoming the first from the 2013 NHL Draft and the second in Avalanche/Nordiques history to achieve this feat. However, some argue that the assist should have gone to Lehkonen himself, as his initial shot created the opportunity.
The Sharks fought back, with Liljegren reducing the deficit to 2-1 early in the third period. His one-timer deflected off Parker Kelly's stick, an unlucky break for the Avalanche. Kurashev then tied the game at 2-2, showcasing his skill by skating down the left side on a 2-on-1 and beating Blackwood with a precise wrist shot.
Nelson's empty-net goal sealed the deal for the Avalanche, securing a 4-2 victory. Kiefer Sherwood, in his Sharks debut, had a solid performance with one shot on goal in over 17 minutes of ice time. His return from injury added an extra boost to the Sharks' lineup.
So, what do you think? Was the assist to Lehkonen's second goal rightfully awarded, or should it have been credited to Lehkonen's initial shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! This game had it all: comebacks, controversy, and historic milestones. It's a night that will surely be remembered by Avalanche and Sharks fans alike.
