Winning Olympic gold with the USA men\u2019s hockey team already feels like it was a long time ago for Nelson, even though it\u2019s just six months past. He scored two goals and had an assist in six games at the Olympics in February and carried on a family legacy when the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to break a gold-medal drought dating back to 1980.<\/p>\n
Nelson\u2019s uncle, Dave Christian, was on the \u201cMiracle on Ice\u201d team at Lake Placid in 1980. Nelson\u2019s grandfather, Bill Christian, and great uncle, Roger Christian, helped the United States win a gold medal in 1960 at Squaw Valley.<\/p>\n
Nelson had his family at the Olympics in February, including his uncle, to take in the Olympic experience together.<\/p>\n
\u201cA memory and moments that we\u2019ll never forget,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cSuper emotional when we were able to get it done. Something you dreamed of, it\u2019s happened now.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt like it went by in the blink of an eye.\u201d<\/p>\n
The success spilled over to the Avalanche, which won the Presidents\u2019 Trophy with a 55-16-11 record and 121 points. Colorado rolled through the first two rounds of the playoffs, sweeping the Los Angeles Kings and winning the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild in five games.<\/p>\n
The run came to an abrupt end when the Avalanche were swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final. That outcome was tough for an Avalanche squad that had lofty expectations.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, it doesn\u2019t matter how you lose a series, but obviously getting swept is even more disappointing,\u201d Nelson said.<\/p>\n
Nelson also lamented the Avalanche surrendering their three-goal lead after the first period in Game 3, which the Golden Knights erased with three goals in the second period before taking the lead in the third on the way to a 5-3 win.<\/p>\n
There were times in that series where the Avalanche had opportunities to score and make a difference in the outcome of the series, but they weren\u2019t able to get it done, Nelson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the margin for error and the need for really timely execution is crucial,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cBut I think all that motivation carries over to this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we have a similar-looking team. Any time we can roll out\u2026 Cale, Devon (Toews), the goalies we have, I think we\u2019re going to have a pretty good chance to win each and every single night.\u201d<\/p>\n