Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Thursday that the team will not instruct forward Ross Colton to alter his aggressive playing style despite a costly second-period penalty during a 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
The penalty, a roughing call after Colton hit Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson, was deemed questionable by observers.
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Andersson appeared to embellish the contact, but the Golden Knights capitalized on the ensuing power play to double their lead to 2-0.
Colton, 29, recorded an assist on a Valeri Nichushkin goal during Wednesday's matchup.
He also led all Avalanche forwards in expected goals-for percentage at 84.02% in the series opener.
Bednar praised Colton's overall performance and intensity. "There's a ferociousness to the way that he's playing right now.
He's physical, he's hard and I think the urgency in his game on both sides of the puck is there," Bednar said Thursday.
"He's skating pretty well, so he's making some plays and trying to be a difference maker every shift.
He's got good consistency to his game right now."
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Line Chemistry Shines Despite Loss
The forward line featuring Colton, Nichushkin, and Nazem Kadri stood out as Colorado's most consistent unit before coaches adjusted combinations during a third-period comeback attempt.
Kadri reflected on the trio's chemistry. "It's been great.
I think that's the positive with our group.
Everybody's kind of interchangeable and has that chemistry, but us, in particular, I think we had a real good night," Kadri said.
"Probably should have had a couple more goals, and we'll certainly look to continue that."
The Avalanche are scheduled to play Game 2 against the Golden Knights at Ball Arena on Friday at 6 p.
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