This was exactly the game the avs needed to get out of their recent funk, and this really reminded me of the 7-1 game vs. the Sens both on the goals aspect and the overall team effort. From puck drop tonight the avs were the better team, and really played exceptionally well on both ends of the ice outshooting them 25-19 and winning 30 of 47 faceoffs. I can't say enough good things about Stefan Elliot, you'd think he would take some time to get used to the NHL but the kid has been just phenomenal scoring again tonight (on a beauty wrister past Brodeur) for 3 points in 3 games. One thing is for certain: Elliot is here to stay. The avs waived Joakim Lindstrom today, so even when EJ is back Elliot will no doubt stay (leading to Hejda or O'Byrne being scratched. The avs tried out some new line combos tonight, and I really liked them from the start. O'Reilly Landeskog and Hejduk was a great line all night, as well as I really liked the pace Duchene Stastny and Jones were playing. Throw in Galiardi Porter and Yip (back in the lineup) and this line was forechecking all game long with Gali's goal, as well as McClement Winnik and Kobasew who played well. I feel that Porter and Galiardi have really found their games recently, both skating well and hustling. On the PK, the pairing of McClement and Winnik has been phenomenal, not only because McClement scored SH but they are hustling and really have limited chances the whole home-stand. The one consistent bright spot for the avs on this home-stand has been the PK, something that was horrible all month long. It is good to end this terrible month on a good note, hopefully one that will continue on into December. Once again, Varlamov played really well in his 4th straight start, stopping 18 of 19 shots. Goals in order tonight were Hejduk, Galiardi, Hejda, O'Reilly, McClement and Elliot. Overall a great team effort, both on offence and defence.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Milan Hejduk - Playing on a new line, Hejduk really found his game tonight with the opening goal and an assist. Playing with Landeskog and O'Reilly, he really played solid all night and I think this line will stay for the time being
2. Stefan Elliot - If it weren't for Ryan O'Reilly, he would've been the 1st star for the 3rd straight game. There are so many good things I have to say about this kid, but the simple fact is he is making a serious impact on this team. He is playing extremely well on defence, but hes so smart with and without the puck offensively and it shows with his 3 points (2 goals and 1 assist) in 3 games. Elliot is for real, and has cemented his spot on this roster - his goal tonight was an absolute rocket from the point
1. Ryan O'Reilly - O'Reilly is just a terrific hockey player, and hes really starting to find his offensive side this season. He has a special connection with Landeskog, and having Hejduk on that line tonight really opened things up for him. He had a goal and 2 assists to give him 3 goals and 14 assists on the season
Play of the Game - I have two tonight, first being O'Reilly's goal as both him and Hejduk made great hits behind the net, Hejduk (of all people) hit the defender and the puck game out to O'Reilly for the goal. The other one was Stefan Elliot's goal, what a shot past one of the best goalies of all time
Misplay of the Game - The lone big mistake for the avs was Shane O'Brien's turnover on the Devils goal, just slow moving the puck behind his own net
Game #26 - Avs look to start fresh in the month of December, with game #7 of 8 on the home-stand Friday night vs. the visiting St. Louis Blues (@9pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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