Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin spoke to The Hockey News for the first time since he returned to the team from the NHL Players Assistance Program.
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin spoke to The Hockey News for the first time since he returned to the team from the NHL Players Assistance Program.
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin scored two goals in the 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers — his first since March 22. The 29-year-old Russian only had nine points coming into the matchup since returning on March 10 from a two-month hiatus.
Nichushkin's play has been questioned since he returned from spending time in the NHL Players Assistance Program for about a month and a half.
"I think when I come back, like I was pretty good, but then I had little problems with my groin, so it's like, back and forth," Nichushkin told The Hockey News' Colleen Flynn. "Some days good, some days not but it's good to have three days before that game, so it was enough time for rest, healing, you know? I feel pretty good today. Probably best energy by me, but since I come back after the groin problem. And I think it's a good time because big games coming."
It was special for Nichushkin to have a successful game as he has struggled to produce consistently since he rejoined the team. His linemates — Artturi Lehkonen and Casey Mittelstadt — got assists on his first goal which showed improvement from that line.
"I think it's important that Val has a good game, he scores," head coach Jared Bednar said. "We know how he can get heated up and can get streaky at times. So for him finding the back to the net I think was big for his confidence."
Nichushkin tallied 42 points in 40 games before leaving the team. The Avs felt his absence and said he is a crucial part to their success.
"You saw him working again. When his boots are moving, and he's playing physical, that's when he's at his best and he knows that," Cale Makar said. "So I think we have a group, and especially him, guys are hard on themselves. We're going to play well and for him to get that under his belt and get some confidence up, I'm sure it's a big thing."
Nichushkin admitted he has been nursing a groin injury which has hindered his play but said he is ready to take on a tough Winnipeg Jets team.
"You just have to switch some parts of the game, you know. It takes the time. But yeah, of course I'm playing better with my legs. My legs good, you know so because I skate a lot, I work hard, you know? So I need my legs.
"This game hopefully helped me feel better a little bit and now we have (a) couple more days again before the playoffs start — good, good, ready," Nichushkin said.
The Oilers started goaltender Stuart Skinner, who played the night before, and all their starters sat out. Mikko Rantanen and Josh Manson added to the scoresheet which displayed the depth of the team. Skinner was pulled after the first period but Calvin Pickard only allowed one goal from Zach Parise for the remainder of the game.
Colorado will face off against the Jets for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on Sunday at 5 p.m. MT.
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