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Avalanche’s Valeri Nichushkin on verge of making incredible NHL history

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Colin Gallant | Last updated 5/9/24

Valeri Nichushkin has scored a goal in every single postseason game the Colorado Avalanche have played in 2024 — and the Russian is on the verge of making National Hockey League history ahead of Game 2 against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

The Avs beat the Winnipeg Jets in five games before making an impressive three-goal comeback in Game 1 of their Western Conference second-round series against the Stars on Tuesday at American Airlines Center.

With a ridiculous eight goals in just six postseason contests, it goes without saying that Nichushkin has been one of the main catalysts of the team’s playoff success thus far. If the 29-year-old can manage at least one tally on the road on Thursday, he’ll make NHL history not seen since Buffalo Sabres forward Pat LaFontaine back in 1992.

“Valeri Nichushkin (8-1—9 in 6 GP) was pivotal in Colorado’s three-goal comeback win in Game 1 by scoring the first of his team’s three straight goals in regulation,” wrote NHL Public Relations. “His string of success was established at the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and enters Game 2 with the opportunity to join Pat LaFontaine (7 GP in 1992 w/ BUF) as just the second player in NHL history to score in each of his club’s first seven games of a postseason.”

Scoring in seven straight games in the regular-season is outrageous, and not something that is seen very often in the sport’s highest league. But to do it in the postseason is absolutely unheard of — and that’s why it’s only happened once before.

When he’s on the ice, Nichushkin has consistently been one of Colorado’s best players, both in the regular-season and playoffs. He continues to dominate on the top line along with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen as the Avalanche look to take a commanding lead in the series before the two teams head north to Ball Arena in Denver.

Valeri Nichushkin leads incredible Avalanche Game 1 comeback

Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates the game tying goal scored by MacKinnon against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado was well-rested coming into the second-round, despite starting the series on the road, while Dallas was fresh off a thrilling Game 7 win over the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week.

The Stars certainly had the edge early on, outshooting the Avalanche 9-5 in the first period — and leading 3-0 on the scoresheet after goals by Ryan Suter, Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn.

But Nichushkin spurred the comeback in the second period, scoring a powerplay goal that opened the floodgates and led to three more unanswered tallies. The most important of the three was Miles Wood’s overtime winner halfway through the extra frame.

When the dust settled, the Avs had stolen Game 1, robbed the Stars of what looked like it was going to be a comfortable win, and set the stage to take a 2-0 series lead on the road on Thursday night.

And they’ve also taken back home-ice advantage from the Central Division’s top regular-season team. From Colorado’s perspective, a victory is all that matters — and count on Valeri Nichushkin to again be in the thick of things as he looks to add his name to NHL lore.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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