Not much to say about this game, the avs got the start they finally needed going up 3-1 in a great first period. After that, they hit the snooze button and handed the game over to the Pens with 5 straight goals including a 4-goal 3rd. Simply put, the avs got outplayed by a better team as great players such as Malkin (beauty), Letang and Neal all scored for Pittsburgh. I thought that through 2 periods, the avs played great defence, really limiting the chances, but really just completely collapsed in the 3rd. Another tough outing for Varlamov, and its really time to give Giguere his chance in net as he is 3-1 and Varlamov is 5-8-1. After starting the season extremely well, Semyon has played sub-par and really hasn't looked comfortable since the early road trip. The lone bright spot for the avs was the re-uniting of top line Heduk Duchene and Stastny, as they produced two goals including a ridiculous move by Duchene. The avs desperately need Mueller back, because they are lacking a 3rd and 4th line punch after the first line and OWL line, except for David Jones who is playing well. I think it is time to pull the trigger on a trade for a third line LW/C to play with Jones and Galiardi and really make a solid 3rd line. Tonight was also the first game with Hejduk as captain, and he played well with 1 assist and also ringing one off the crossbar that would've put them up 4-2. Tough game to watch, as the avs had it through two periods and just gave up in the 3rd, opposite of what they have been doing recently.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - Had 1 assist in just over 22 minutes of work, but most importantly kept Geno Malkin in check most of the night (was off the ice for Malkin's beauty goal)
2. Milan Hejduk - In his first game as captain, he was reunited with Duchene and Stastny and really was the only effective line out there (the first time the OWL line was not the best on the ice in a while). Him and Duchene seemed to be the only ones skating out there by the end of the game
1. Matt Duchene - After a slow start, Duchene has really picked up the pace and looks very comfortable on the wing. He scored an absolute beauty tonight for his team leading 7th goal (tied with Hejduk and Jones) and 14th point.
Misplay of the Game: Ryan O'Byrne gets it tonight, he was just awful and knocked Varlamov out of place for the Pens 2nd goal that really started the momentum shift. He was also -2 with 3 penalties
Play of the Game: Easy choice here, Duchene's goal with a simply nasty toe drag through his legs. Surely will be a tsn highlight of the night and top goal of the year candidate so far
Game #19 - The avs look to escape the November funk, as they head to Minnesota for a divisional game with the Wild on Thursday night (@8pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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