In a very uptempo, fast paced game, the avs fell short to the Hawks 3-1. This game was a battle of the goaltender's, as both Corey Crawford and Semyon Varlamov played pretty well respectively, but it came down to a 3rd period goal by Patrick Sharp who put the Hawks up for good. This was a good test for the avs, as they really met an equally fast team and as well a team that is equally effective in the faceoff dot. Colorado won shots and faceoffs, outshooting them 32-29 and winning 31 of 53 faceoffs, but had a hard time beating Corey Crawford. While the Hawks don't have most of their cup winning team from 2 years ago, they still have that core and 3 of them scored tonight in Toews, Sharp and Hossa. This was a close one, but the Hawks found a way to beat the avs on home ice. The avs will look for revenge back in Chicago Saturday, in the 2nd half of a home-and-home series. Tough game for the pairing of Johnson-Hejda who were on for all 3 Hawks goals. Overall not the best game of the season, but once again Varlamov kept them in it.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan O'Reilly - Despite being on for 2 goals against, the young avs C was very effective winning 9 of his 12 faceoffs. His line was very good on the cycle game, but couldn't solve Corey Crawford despite several good chances
2. Ryan O'Byrne - Scored his first goal of the season, and first in an avs uniform tonight. O'Byrne is really starting to fit in this season in Denver
1. Semyon Varlamov - Despite the loss, Semyon played extremely well allowing 2 goals on 29 shots. Both goals were top shelf shots from top caliber players - Sharp and Toews. Semyon is really keeping the avs in games in this early season, and looks to be a solid goaltender for the future
Misplay of the Game - The avs 5-man unit that was out for the game winning goal gets it this game, as they allowed sharp to walk in and snipe over Varly's shoulder on a total meltdown by all 5 players
Play of the Game - Semyon Varlamov gets it for absolutely robbing Markus Kruger of his first NHL goal (click on the Varlamov picture on the left side of my blog for the replay). Kane made a nifty move at the blueline and fed Kruger for an open net, as Varlamov slid across and got his glove on it for the early candidate of save of the year
Game #8 - The avs get a shot at redemption, meeting the Blackhawks in Chicago Saturday night (@830 pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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