This move proved to be a turning point. Nichushkin thrived in the KHL, showcasing his physicality and offensive prowess. His return to the NHL in 2019 came with a new team, the Colorado Avalanche. Playing alongside superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, Nichushkin found his niche as a complimentary scorer and a force on the forecheck.
Since joining the Avalanche, Nichushkin has developed a bit of a rivalry with the Vegas Golden Knights, a team he faces frequently within the Central Division. Looking at his career stats against the VGK, Nichushkin has played in 19 games, recording 4 goals and 3 assists. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they don't tell the whole story.
Nichushkin's impact against Vegas goes beyond raw point totals. He's known for his physical play along the boards, grinding down opponents in the defensive zone, and creating scoring opportunities with his net-front presence. This style of play often sparks battles with the Golden Knights' physical defensemen, making for some intense matchups throughout the regular season.
A prime example of this came in a game on October 22nd, 2022. In the season opener against Vegas, Nichushkin scored a goal to extend his point streak to six games and helped the Avalanche secure a 3-2 victory. This goal showcased Nichushkin's ability to rise to the occasion in key matchups against the Golden Knights.
The real drama between Nichushkin and the VGK unfolds in the playoffs. While the two teams haven't met in the postseason yet, Nichushkin has delivered some clutch performances against Vegas during their respective playoff runs.
In the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Avalanche faced off against the Edmonton Oilers in the second round. During this series, Nichushkin emerged as a playoff hero. He tied for the team lead in goals with 5 and displayed a knack for scoring in big moments. This impressive performance came on the heels of a strong regular season where Nichushkin had put up career-high numbers in goals (25) and points (56).
While Nichushkin wasn't directly facing the Golden Knights in the playoffs that year, his elevated play during that series is a testament to his ability to step up against high-caliber competition. A potential future playoff matchup between the Avalanche and VGK would undoubtedly see Nichushkin rise to the challenge once again.
Throughout his career, Nichushkin has had some unforgettable moments against the Vegas Golden Knights. Here are a few highlights:
These are just a few examples of Nichushkin's impactful plays against the Vegas Golden Knights. His dedication to a strong two-way game and knack for stepping up in key moments make him a thorn in the side of the VGK.
Both Nichushkin and the Vegas Golden Knights have dealt with their fair share of injuries throughout their careers. When Nichushkin is healthy, he presents a significant challenge for the Golden Knights. His physical style of play disrupts their defensive structure, and his scoring touch creates problems for their goaltending.
However, injuries can significantly affect this matchup. In the 2021-22 season, Nichushkin missed a significant portion of games due to a wrist injury. This hampered the Avalanche's offense, and they struggled to replicate the same level of success against Vegas during the regular season.
Similarly, the health of key players on the Golden Knights, such as their top defensemen Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, can significantly impact their ability to contain Nichushkin.
With both Nichushkin and the Vegas Golden Knights entrenched as contenders in the Central Division, their future meetings promise to be exciting and closely contested. As Nichushkin continues to develop his all-around game, his impact against the VGK is likely to grow.
The addition of young, talented players on both teams could also add new layers to this rivalry. For example, the emergence of Jack Hughes on the Golden Knights could lead to even more physical battles between him and Nichushkin along the boards.
The next time the Avalanche and Golden Knights meet in the playoffs, Nichushkin will undoubtedly be a key player to watch. His ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage could be a deciding factor in which team advances.
The Nichushkin-VGK rivalry has captured the attention of fans from both sides. Avalanche fans appreciate Nichushkin's grit and determination, particularly when facing off against the physical Golden Knights. They see him as a player who embodies the Avalanche's identity of a hard-working, competitive team.
On the other hand, Golden Knights fans respect Nichushkin's skillset but might view him as a player who gets under their team's skin with his physical play. They appreciate the challenge he presents and believe their team can neutralize his impact with their own brand of physical hockey.
Ultimately, the Nichushkin-VGK rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to the already heated competition between these two Central Division powerhouses.
