The avs set out on this 5-game road trip looking to build off a disappointing home-opener, 5 games later they sit at 5-1 and finished a perfect 5-0 on their trip. I got to witness the game first hand, and it was my first chance to see the avs play in over 5 years. I had a great time at the game, but was even happier as I watched David Jones put in the ot goal to give the avs the victory. Tonight I thought the avs played a tremendous game, outplaying Toronto in every aspect (except shots) in a very defensive game. Giggy was solid tonight making 27 saves on 29 shots, and I felt that he was extremely well supported by the avs defence tonight. They were extremely physical (with Ryan Wilson dishing out several massive hits), and they protected Giggy very well. On the offence, I felt that the avs had a very solid 4-line attack, one in which they dominated in the cycle game and most importantly on faceoffs (39 out of 61). Tonight was my first chance at seeing some of the young avs core, and they all played extremely well. It was unreal to watch Duchene and Landeskog play, as the youngsters were both awesome to see in person. The previous avs game I saw, only Stastny and Hejduk were still on the team so it was a lot different this time around. Tonight they also played two former players in John Michael Liles and Phillipe Dupuis, but it was J.S Giguere getting the last laugh against his former team with the win. While Giggy hasn't been too busy in both his first two starts, he has walked away with 2 wins and it must give him some confidence - confidence he lacked his whole time in Toronto. Overall, not 1 player stood out tonight (besides seeing my favourite player Matt Duchene for the first time) as I felt it was a very impressive team win, one in which Coach Sacco should be thrilled about. The avs now sit at 5-1, top of the NHL at 10 points and they should feel great after this road trip.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - I was able to see E.J last year in a leafs/blues game, but this time around he was much more noticeable and he is really becoming the defence the avs needed. Johnson is calm and collected with the puck, and just is a force at both ends. He fed Hejduk on the avs 2nd goal
2. Milan Hejduk - Despite 2 early penalties, Hejduk had a very solid game and scored on a nifty powerplay goal. Hejduk, 33, is the avs oldest player but is showing no signs of slowing down, as he still has that sniper mentality and knows how to score
1. David Jones - For the 2nd straight game, Jones walks away with the first star. The avs forward started slow, but has really responded on the 2nd half of this trip tallying 4 goals in 3 games - including the winner in ot tonight. Jones was able to get a piece of Kyle Quincey's point shot, and he followed the rebound and buried it past Reimer for the ot goal
Misplay of the Game - While Giggy played great tonight, he got caught deep in his net on the Kessel goal. I feel that Varlamov wouldn't have let this one in, as he always is at the top of his crease compared to Giggy who likes to play a little deeper
Play of the Game - In a game of no serious individual efforts or spectacular plays, the play of the game goes to David Jones for scoring the ot goal and completing the perfect 5-0 road trip
Game #7 - After a perfect 5-0 road trip, the avs head home to meet the Chicago Blackhawks (@9pm) in the first of a home-and-home series.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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