After an even first two periods, the avs still found themselves down 2-1 but that didn't stop them from coming back tonight. You really saw the urgency in the avs play in the 3rd, players were hustling (Jones to beat the icing leading to the 4th goal) and the defence chipped in huge with 3 3rd period goals (O'Brien's first as an av, Hejda and Elliot's first NHL goal) to lead the avs to a 5-2 victory. After Taylor Hall was knocked out of the game in the first period, the Oilers top two lines really didn't muster and offence as Tom Renney was trying to shuffle it around in order to replace Hall. The avs had a 4-line attack tonight, all 4 lines were going and I felt that the defence (Elliot and O'Brien in particular) were great tonight. Semyon Varlamov played in back-to-back games and finally picked up a win, his first in 8 starts, as he saved 31 of 33 shots and really played well all game long. With the absence of Erik Johnson, Stefan Elliot finally got the call and didn't disappoint in his first NHL game. He played well all night, was calm and collected with the puck, but most importantly scored his first NHL goal at a crucial point in the 3rd period and ended up being the game winner. It is definitely going to create some problems once EJ returns, because there is no reason Elliot should be sent down (O'Byrne/Hejda likely scrated as O'Brien Wilson Quincey have been solid all season). Sacco reunited two of his (and my) favourite lines tonight with Stastny Duchene Hejduk and O'Reilly Landeskog Winnik, and it really seemed to spark O'Reilly and Landeskog who both played great (O'Reilly in particular). O'Reilly is the leader on the forward group, and I believe he deserves the A more than anyone else on the team. Simply put, the avs needed a win tonight and really came alive in the 3rd to make that possible. Goals (in order) were McClement, O'Brien, Elliot, Hejda and Stastny (empty net). A huge (must-win) game for the avs, hopefully one that they should be able to build on to continue this home-stand.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Shane O'Brien - When the avs need a spark, it always seems to be O'Brien who steps up as the emotional leader on this team. Not the most talented guy, but he plays with such passion and really gives it his all, and he came up huge tonight scoring the tying goal that really got the avs going. He finished the game with 1 goal and 4 shots in just over 20 minutes of work, and has really been the best avs d on this homestand
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Talking about team leaders, O'Reilly is just a great hockey player with tremendous sense for the puck on both ends. He was making defensive plays all night long, really seemed to find his game with Landeskog back on his line, but came up clutch on offense in the 3rd. He had a great feed to O'Brien for the tying goal, and won the draw cleanly on the Elliot goal for 2 assists, +1, 3 shots in just under 20 minutes of work
1. Stefan Elliot - With Erik Johnson sitting, the rookie playing in his first game came up absolutely clutch at the right time. He played very solid all night, but played outstanding in the 3rd period scoring the winning goal. He had 1 goal, 2 shots, and +1 in just under 20 minutes of work, and hopefully looks to cement his place on this roster after a phenomenal first game
Misplay of the Game - Shane O'Brien gets it tonight (despite a stellar game) for turning the puck over at the blueline then running into Varlamov on the oilers first goal
Play of the Game - Easy choice here, Stefan Elliot scoring his first NHL goal in his first game was a great sight to see for all avs fans. David Jones a close second for his great hustle leading to Hejda's goal
Game #24 - The avs play the 5th of 8 games on the home-stand with a rematch against the visting Dallas Stars Monday night (@9pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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