Not a lot to write about this game, Avs looked lifeless through 40 minutes and watched the Oilers score 3 PP goals. The Avs are playing so bad on the road, and even worse they are taking terrible penalties. They were also without Captain and best player Gabriel Landeskog, who is sidelined indefinitely by a questionable Brad Stuart Hit. Avs were able to get it going in the 3rd, outshooting the Oilers 24-5 in the period and scoring their lone goal off a rebound (PA Parenteau). The avs are making a lot of mistakes that were present last season, and they are really hurting on offence without O'Reilly Landeskog and Downie (who were at times the Avs best line last season). Edmonton didn't play an overly amazing game, but the second the Avs game them time on the PP they made no mistake (4/6 on the PP). As a side-note I love watching the line of Eberle-Hall-Nuge; they are so skilled and you can see what a year has done to maturing each on of their games'.They were by far the best players on the ice tonight, the Avs had a handful with them every time they stepped on the ice. The Avs have now let up 7 PP goals in back to back losses, an ugly statistic for a team that played so well on the PK at home this season. The Avs need to make a change at forward if Landeskog is out long term, and the first move is singing Ryan O'Reilly tomorrow. As for now we patiently wait to see the word on Landeskog, who remains out with leg and head injuries from the hit. One can only wonder why he returned vs. the Sharks if he is actually hurt, and in that case why isn't Stuart suspended? If Landeskog is out long-term, they Avs need to look into a trade or free-agency for some depth forward. My last point is Coach Sacco needs to start learning from his mistakes; we are seeing the same bad problems as last year (1. bad penalties 2. not showing up for the 1st/2nd periods)
Three Stars:
3. Devan Dubnyk - He wasn't really that busy through 2 periods, but made a lot of saves in the 3rd (23 on 24 shots)
2. Taylor Hall - Hall was a beast out there tonight, getting 2 assists and really playing a strong game
1. Jordan Eberle - Eberle had the game-winning goal on an absolutely beautiful wrist-shot, and he was the best player on the ice tonight. He is so exciting to watch, a personal favourite of mine, and he continues to get stronger every game
Avalanche Misplay of the Night - Shane O'Brien giving it away at the end, I hate Yakupov and letting him score into the empty net with his 1st shot of the night was annoying to see
Game #6 - Avs head to Vancouver for game 3 of the road trip, as they play the Canucks on Wednesday (@10pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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