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Morning Flurries: An Avalanche win, a broken hand, and a Blackhawks milestone

The Avalanche may have won, but they lost a player in the process

By NotIzzyClarke

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NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Arizona Coyotes Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche took home a dominant win on Saturday night, thoroughly trouncing the Arizona Coyotes with a 6-2 final decision against the home team in Glendale.

It was an impressive win for the Avalanche, who extended their penalty-killing streak to 23 instances and scored four goals in a fractional margin midway through the game.

They got some bad news, though, when it was confirmed after the game that defenseman Tyson Barrie has a broken hand. [Mile High Hockey]

Speaking of bad news: the team almost lost new defenseman Samuel Girard to a head injury, when he was punched from behind by Coyotes forward Zac Rinaldo.

Rinaldo earned a match penalty, which means an automatic suspension until the league commissioner determines his formal punishment. Given his history, that could be significant - although luckily for Colorado, Girard returned in the third period and finished the game. For a reminder, here’s Zac Rinaldo’s checkered past. [Broad Street Hockey]

Pretty exciting news in Vancouver:

For the Avalanche, prospect Dominic Toninato spoke to Mile High Hockey about what a dream it was to hit the NHL this year. [MHH]

Finally, a feel-good story for your Christmas.

I’m keeping the morning links short, because it’s Christmas Eve and I need sleep. But John Gibson just earned a shutout in his hometown, and that’s pretty darned special. [The Athletic]