Avalanche Need More From Necas, Nelson, And Kadri To Get Back Into Western Conference Finals
As the Colorado Avalanche try to figure out how to climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference final, one thing is clear – they need better contributions from some of their well-paid forwards.
Specifically, we're talking about star right winger Martin Necas, and centers Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri. The trio has combined for exactly one assist in Colorado's two games against the Golden Knights. And obviously, that's not nearly good enough if the Avalanche are going to beat Vegas.
After putting up 11 points in his first nine Stanley Cup playoff games this year, Necas is still looking for his first point in the Western final. Meanwhile, after posting six points in his first nine playoff games this year, Kadri has just a single assist against Vegas. And Nelson had three points in nine games in the first two rounds, but he's been held off the scoresheet completely in the Western final.
‘I Think He's The Best 200-Foot Player In The Game,' Jack Eichel Outduelling Nathan MacKinnon Is Why The Golden Knights Own A 2-0 Series Lead
Vegas Golden Knights star center Jack Eichel is dominating the Stanley Cup playoffs, outplaying Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon and powering Vegas' surge toward their second Cup with his elite playmaking and stellar defensive effort. Can Eichel carry the Knights to another championship?
While Kadri has been one of Colorado's most physically engaged players in this post-season, he hasn't posted offense the way he did in the regular season, when he posted 50 points in 77 games. The Golden Knights have been quick to close down his time and space, and he hasn't been able to adjust.
It's not as if Necas, Kadri and Nelson are newcomers to the pressures that come with playoff action. Kadri is a Cup winner, and Necas and Nelson have both played many post-season games. So there's really no excuse for them not to be producing at this time of year.
Other Avalanche players also need to step up, including winger Valeri Nichushkin (two goals and four points in 11 games, and only one point against the Golden Knights) and Artturi Lehkonen (three goals and six points in 11 games, and zero points against Vegas).
Regardless of who it is that needs to produce more offense, somebody other than MacKinnon has to make the Golden Knights pay. Otherwise, this could be a shockingly short Western final.
Avalanche Defense Must Prove Their Worth In Cale Makar Absence
With superstar defenseman Cale Makar sidelined against Vegas, the Colorado Avalanche needs to rely on their depth and their veterans to elevate their game to prevent a 2-0 series deficit.
The Avalanche can't depend solely on MacKinnon to provide all the scoring. They need players who can come through in the clutch, and thus far against the Golden Knights, that just hasn't happened.
It doesn't matter if it's Necas, Kadri or Nelson who provides points. But somebody on the Avs has to come through in the remaining games of the Western final. Because if they can't, the Avalanche are going to be severely disappointed when they blow a terrific opportunity to advance to the Cup final and win their fourth championship in franchise history.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Hockey News
This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 3:02 PM.