Despite a great effort and come-from behind victory, the sweetest part of this game was seeing Mueller score 2 goals and become a force the avs needed. After a slow start and rough 1st period, Mueller tied it at 1 as he came streaking in and beat the goalie five-hole. After late 2nd and early 3rd period goals by Florida, the avs went down 3-1 in the 3rd and were in a familiar situation. However, this situation is a comfortable one for the avs and a healthy Mueller/Stastny combo led the charge. Mueller got the avs within one with a rocket point shot on the PP, and then Stastny tied it up on a rebound with around 3 minutes left. Not the prettiest game for the avs, but the team fought hard and were able to gain atleast one point. In overtime, J.S Giguere made a huge save on a 3-on-1 and O'Reilly scored seconds later for the winner. Giguere made 26 saves on 29 shots, but really kept the avs in it after allowing the 3-1 lead. Overall I felt this was a good team game, as lines are clicking at the moment. With a healthy Mueller, the avs now have 3 good lines with Stastny Mueller Galiardi, Landeskog Hejduk O'Reilly and Jones Winnik McClement (with Duchene hurt too). On D, Johnson and O'Brien were excellent in this game. The avs won 30 of 51 faceoffs, and outshot them 44-29. Overall not the best game, but a big two points
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Paul Stastny - Paul had a goal and an assist, and most importantly the late tying goal, but was really clicking with Mueller and Gali all night. He is under a lot of pressure to lead by example, and has picked it up without Duchene
2. Ryan O'Reilly - If it weren't for Mueller, O'Reilly would be walking away with yet another first star. However, O'Reilly was just brilliant again and continues to be a leader on the forwards. O'Reilly has stepped up all season and really led the charge without Duchene
1. Peter Mueller - Mueller finally scored his first goal of the season, and first in two years, but didn't stop there collecting 2 goals, 1 assist and 5 shots. He was a force all night, scoring from the point on the PP and infront, and really got Stastny going all game long. Great to see him back
Play of the Game - Both Mueller's goals deserve it, but just cause his first was so important to him it gets it tonight. The joy on his face said it all, Mueller was overjoyed to be back on the scoresheet
Misplay of the Game - Stefan Elliot's terrible turnover leading to the 3-on-1 in overtime, Giguere bailed him out luckily
Game #49 - The avs head on a 2-game road trip, starting with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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