It’s been a slower start this season for Ilya Nabokov, who the Avalanche took in the second round of the NHL Draft. Expectations were high coming into this season after being named Playoff MVP, but Nabokov (and his team) have struggled out of the gate. While the team continued to struggle on Saturday, Nabokov at least found his game.

Phil Kessel’s last NHL game came on April 24, 2023. Since then, he’s been waiting for an opportunity to show that he can still contribute at this level. He’s still looking for that shot, but it’s not for lack of trying.

Colorado Hockey Now

The rookies are out in Los Angeles, and in their first game, the exact players you wanted to see end up on the scoresheet did exactly that, including Calum Ritchie.

Those same rookies played against yesterday, Ritchie, Oskar Olausson, and Sean Behrens didn’t suit up. The Avalanche have one more game on Monday against the San Jose Sharks, but likely won’t see Macklin Celebrini or Will Smith, who the Sharks don’t want to risk injuring. I feel like the Avalanche should let Ritchie take the last game off too. Let him focus on main camp.

Nabokov Bounces Back

Ilya Nabokov’s save percentage in his first three KHL games? 90.6%, 89.7%, and 87%. Not exactly what you expected from a guy who finished last season with a 94.2% save percentage.

On Saturday, he bounced back, but he didn’t get help from any of his teammates. Nabokov allowed just one goal on 31 shots to AK Bars, but his teammates scored zero, so they lost the game and fell to just 1-4 on the season. It’s at least a starting point for Nabokov, but the defending champs are off to a very slow start.

Slower start to the year for Ilya Nabokov, although it’s only been 4 games, but he had his best game so far today with 30 saves on 31 shots.

Unfortunately, he got zero goal support and Metallurg falls to 1-4. pic.twitter.com/I88kIx51cH

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) September 14, 2024

News And Rumors

Sportsnet: He made an attempt last year to earn a spot, but couldn’t find his way back to the NHL. That’s not stopping him this year, as Phil Kessel is still looking for an opportunity.

Quite frankly, I understand why he’s struggling to find a job. He’s always been a pretty one-dimensional player, and now that dimension isn’t close to what it used to be. At 36, it makes sense that he’s having a tough time finding a job.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Yes, yes, he’s probably signing an extension soon, but what does Sidney Crosby think about the direction the Penguins are headed?

San Jose Hockey Now: He’s in the same situation as Calum Ritchie in Colorado – it’s either the NHL or the OHL. That’s why Quentin Musty put in the work this summer to show he can hang.

Philly Hockey Now: This whole situation has been bizarre, and the Flyers may not give Alexei Kolosov another shot if he doesn’t come back to North America.