After a 3-game road losing streak the avs were sitting at 3 games below 500 and asking many unanswered questions. Fast-forward a week and 4 games later, the avs are now 1 game above 500 and suddenly back in the playoff race after an outstanding 4-game home-stand where they won all 4 games. Despite playing decent this month, Varlamov say Giguere take the starting role at the beginning of this home-stand and now 4 games later he looks like the starter now. Giguere has been outstanding the past 4 games, allowing just 6 goals in that stretch and really giving the avs a chance to win everytime he plays. This game was no different, the avs played extremely solid defensively (the lone goal a weak mistake) and were step-for-step with the Lightning all game long. With such stars as Stamkos, St. Louis, Lecavalier etc, the avs forced them outside and gave Giguere room to find the pucks. In front of Giguere, this team plays different and its a good thing right now, Giguere leads this team both on and off the ice. You can see how passionate he is, smashing his stick after letting in goals and constantly speaking to teammates: exactly what a good, veteran goalie should bring. Overall, not the best offensive game for the avs but a true 4-line attack. This home-stand has really featured the even play of all 4 forward lines, with the top two Duchene-Winnik-Stastny and O'Reilly-Hejduk-Landeskog providing the offensive and solid play. But this game I think the 3rd and 4th lines were the big factor, as not only McClement-Malone-Galiardi were good on the forecheck but McLeod-Porter-Van Der Gulik were effective everytime they stepped on the ice. On D, O'Brien and Johnson continue to lead this team in their recent success, but both O'Byrne-Hejda and Hunwick-Elliot also played solid. The avs dominated in parts of this game, killing 3/3 penalties but also winning 40 of 54 faceoffs. Overall 8 of 8 points won in a 4-game home-stand and the avs how now won a franchise record 8-straight at home. I hope the avs are able to continue this play on the road, because it is a factor still missing since the opening road trip.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan O'Reilly - O'Reilly continues to lead with his play at both ends, perhaps one of the biggest surprises this season. Known more as a defensive asset, O'Reilly has emerged as the top scorer as the avs to go along with his stellar defensive play. He had the game tying goal, +1, 5 shots and 11 of 15 faceoffs in just over 23 minutes of icetime and is 1 point ahead of Matt Duchene for the team lead in points at 24
2. J.S Giguere - His 4th straight start, and equally deserves the first star, Giguere was brilliant again allowing just 1 goal on 30 shots. Nothing against Varlamov, but it seems Giguere was suddenly stolen the starting job and 100% deserves it after winning 4 straight games allowing only 6 goals
1. Matt Duchene - Despite Giguere deserving it, Duchene's goal was a huge one for the avs. After a slow start, Duchene has really picked up his play and especially since being paired with Stastny and Winnik has he excelled. His OT goal sent the avs to their 4th straight win, 5th in 6 games and 8th straight at home (a franchise record)
Play of the Game - It wasn't pretty, but Duchene's OT goal gets it tonight. Honourable mention to Giguere's glove save in OT to boost the team's chances at winning
Misplay of the Game - Despite a stellar game, Giguere gets it for the lone goal. Soft shot by Kubina should have been stopped
Game #37 - The avs take a few days off for Christmas, but head on the road to face the suddenly struggling Minnesota Wild on Monday night (@6pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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