Its unstructured lineup become a polished parade for the Avalanche on Sunday, meaning the beer-league look might get another try Tuesday night at Minnesota.

The Avs used one less forward (11) and an extra defenseman (seven) in defeating the New Jersey Devils 3-0 at the Pepsi Center, together with the line combinations and defensive pairings changing as the match went on.

“There’s something about that just kind of takes you from your regular,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said Monday.

Star center Nathan MacKinnon logged a team-high 22:02 Sunday, often playing different wingers from shift to shift, and no defenseman reached 20 minutes of ice time, largely because rookie blue-liner Ryan Graves was added to the mixture. Forward Sven Andrighetto logged a team-low 9:42 but had a game-high two assists.

It was unusual but it worked. The Avs outshot the Devils 34-22 at a victory that keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

Bednar said adding Graves into the mix was partly from necessity.  “We’ve got some guys that are banged up a little bit, so I want to be sure we’re covered there,” the trainer said. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about it for a bit because I enjoy what Graves was doing for us. He’s been out of the lineup. Some men are injured so I liked to see him get in and play. ”

About shuffling his forwards, Bednar added: “We have some forwards that can give us more, and need a little more opportunity. This is the time of year we must lean on men that we feel can do it. ”

Graves, 23, unquestionably has a bright future. He’s played 22 NHL games this year and 32 with Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Graves is expected to become an Avalanche regular next year, eliminating the need to resign impending free agent Patrik Nemeth.

“I was happy to maintain (Sunday). Just wanted to provide a good effort in whatever time I obtained, and help the team win,” Graves said. “I believe (seven D) worked out. All the D were great. Some guys are used to playing 25 minutes and may have played 19. I know it’s an adjustment for them but everyone are experts about it and buying in. ”

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Captain update. Avs left wing Gabe Landeskog has missed the past four matches since sustaining an arm/shoulder injury March 7 at Dallas. He was projected to miss 4-to-6 weeks.  Landeskog skated at a non-contact sweater Monday, but Bednar said his prognosis has not changed.

“Still 4-to-6. He’s skating out there on his own, trying to get his legs underneath him. He’s been doing plenty of rebab in the gym. But he’s still not able to shoot or do anything like that,” Bednar said.

Footnote. The Avalanche’s two-game trip concludes Thursday at Dallas. … Colorado (74 points) entered matches Monday night four points behind Arizona for the final Western Conference wild-card playoff spot.

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