DENVER (AP) — In his postgame on-ice interview, Valeri Nichushkin described his day in as many words as he had goals: “I feel amazing.”
Nichushkin recorded his first career hat trick, Alexandar Georgiev turned in another strong showing and the Avalanche beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 in Game 4 on Sunday to move a win away from advancing.
It’s been a roller-coaster season for the 29-year-old Nichushkin, who missed nearly two months earlier this year to receive care from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound fast-moving Nichushkin is getting up to full speed.
“It’s hard to stop the big man,” said Artturi Lehkonen, who scored the game’s first goal.
Cale Makar also scored for the Avalanche, who grabbed a 3-1 lead in the first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday night in Winnipeg.
Nichushkin added an empty-netter with 13 seconds left to give him his third goal and his first hat trick in game No. 580 of his NHL career, including regular season and postseason.
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
US weightlifter Reeves bags 3 golds at IWF World Cup
Sports events in Shanghai generates $516M in consumption
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 31,490: ministry
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
Spring farming underway across China
Kipyegon and Duplantis set to star in Xiamen
Sports events in Shanghai generates $516M in consumption
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
Prince Harry looks relaxed as he makes another cameo in posh world of polo