A much different storyline than anyone expected, with both Vokoun and Varlamov not in net Giguere and Neuvirth stole the show. With 2 offensive teams, there was tons of chances but both goalies played extremely well; in the end Giguere was just incredible again. I have suported Varlamov, and I know that he wanted to play his old team and prove them wrong, he was hurt and Giguere played a great hockey game. The best part of this game was the fact that both goals came from players who scored their first of the season, with Mcleod's being a complete fluke goal 2 minutes in or Erik Johnson's long awaited first goal just seconds after Washington (Semin) tied it. After Semin's very nice goal to tie it (top shelf Giggy had 0 change), the avs responded the avs cycle led Landeskog to Hejduk who dished it off the boards to Johnson, and his shot got through many bodies and past Neuvirth. From then on, the avs played a tight checking but also offensive game, often taking long shifts cycling in the corner (especially Winnik Duchene and Stastny). In the absence of Kyle Quincey, the resent injury, Matt Hunwick played by far his best game as an av. After a terrible season last year, he was paired with Stefan Elliot tonight and the duo played extremely well. While Mcleod's goal was a fluke, he brought much provided energy in his fight with ex av Matt Hendrics that got the team fired up, and they stayed step for step with one of the most talented teams in the West. J.S Giguere had his best game of the season, making 25 saves on 26 shots including 7 from Alexander Ovechkin. He was calm all night, only beaten once and really calmed the game down all 60 minutes. Stastically, the avs played a great game winning 33 of 51 faceoffs and outshooting the Caps 28-26. Great game in all, and having these next home games are crucial right now with 5 straight home wins.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan O'Reilly - Despite having no points tonight O'Reilly gets full credit for the things that don;t make the highlight reel. He played an outstanding defensive game, making several important plays in the 3rd period. He has definitely stepped up and led the charge for the forwards so far, and is really being supported by captain Hejduk and Landeskog
2. Erik Johnson - His first goal of the season was a huge goal, he also had an assist on Mcleod's goal. Overall a great game, one that Coach Sacco has to be thrilled about
1. J.S. Giguere - Johnson deserved it, but Giguere was too good all night long. Seemed to many a simple game for Washington, but Giguere was steady all night and provided a calming netminder that Varlamov hasn;t been yet.
Play of the Game - Erik Johnson's first goal of the season, the game winner just seconds after the Caps tied it.
Game #34 - The avs look for a 6th straight on home ice vs. the injury depleted (and 24/7 bound) Flyers on Monday night (@9pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
No comments:
Post a Comment