HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE.
A little late, but still worth getting the summary of this game (as I was out of town and haven't had time). Nonetheless, a huge 2 points for the avs as former duck J.S Giguere stuck it to his new team. Playing without injured Matt Duchene, the role players (along with Hejduk/O'Reilly/Landeskog line) chipped in equally and led the avs to a 4-2 win. Goals were scored by Hejduk (2), Quincey and Kobasew and the avs outshot them 26-20 and won 36 of 60 faceoffs. On forward, the top line led the way offensively as Hejduk scored twice off O'Reilly feeds. Without Duchene, the top line has to be big and they were in this game. As well, Galiardi stepped in Duchene's place and he played effectively. On D, I felt that all 3 pairings were good in this game but the best was Quincey/Elliot, as since Quincey returned from injury hes been paired with Elliot and the two have fed off each other. Giguere made 18 saves on 20 shots, and really stuck it to his old team as he beat them in his first return in two years. Overall a big win and huge two points for the avs, as they now are tied for the 8th playoff spot.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Giggy wasn't amazing tonight, but made the saves at the right times and gave the team a chance for the W. He gets the 3rd star for winning against his former team
2. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk broke his 13-game goal slump with a pair of goals tonight, including his 2nd on a nifty passing play from Landy to O'Reilly to Hejduk. With Duchene out, Hejduk must lead as the captain and as a top scorer
1. Ryan O'Reilly - With Duchene out, O'Reilly has even more pressure to keep playing top notch hockey. He was at his best tonight, with two beautiful passes for Hejduk's goals and also won 11 of 17 faceoffs. Look for him to continue his strong play in the coming weeks with Duchene out
Play of the Game - Hejduk's 2nd goal gets it tonight, beautiful pass from Landeskog to O'Reilly who faked the slapshot and fed Hejduk
Game #41 - The avs head to LA to play the Kings on Monday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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