A must-win game for the avs sure didn't look like it through two periods, as they peppered Montoya but couldn't beat him and quickly found themselves down 3-0 early in the 2nd period. At this point, it was J.S. Giguere's time to shine as he refused to allow another goal and made some key saves to keep the avs in range, and a 5-on-3 advantage in the dying minutes of the 2nd saw the avs finally score off the stick of Paul Stastny. From that point on, the avs really showed the hunger to win, something that wasn't there through 40 minutes but certainly was in the 3rd. Goals from Hejduk and Hejda got this game tied, and again Giguere made several key saves including a breakaway and point-blank shot at the buzzer, both off the stick of the red-hot Michael Grabner to force OT. The avs killed off a crucial powerplay in the last 2 minutes of the 3rd, and then got their own in OT and made no mistake as Kyle Quincey's point shot made it through traffic to seal the come-from-behind win for the avs. In a game that could have gone so sour for the avs, Giguere stood there and was the backbone of this team, really giving them a chance to get back into it. Despite the win, the avs are getting into a horrible habit of being slow through 2 and then pushing hard in the 3rd, but tonight they were able to get back into the game. Through 2, the avs had chances but couldn't score, but after Stastny's goal the top 3 lines (Lindstrom Stastny Hejduk, OWL line and Duchene Galiardi Jones) really pushed the Islanders and all played outstanding the rest of the way through. On D, I felt that Shane O'Brien and Kyle Quincey were outstanding tonight as O'Brien really controls the play out there but Quincey has become a force for the avs, pitching in another 2 assists to put him tops the avs d at 12 points. I also felt the pairing of Johnson and Wilson really woke up in the 3rd, as Johnson was solid with the puck but Wilson was standing out delivering several big hits. Overall, not the prettiest game, but the avs certainly are happy to walk away with 2 points after being down 3-0 for most of the game. The avs also finally got another home win, as well as ended the November losing streak at 4 games. Regardless of the 2 points, I really feel that its time to make some moves and the first step is either making a trade or bringing in a new coach because simply put it isn't working. The avs winning this game saves Sacco's job for another night, but he is certainly very close to being replaced.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Kyle Quincey - I can say a lot about Johnson, Wilson and O'Brien (and even Hejda for his first goal as an av) on how they played tonight, but Quincey simply was the best d out there. After 1 point and a whole season missed last year, he has responded very well with 12 points so far and really playing exceptional on the powerplay. He had 2 PP points (1g, 1a), including the game winner, and has been a big part of the avs early success on the PP as the leagues #1 unit
2. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk was the best avs forward all game long, picking up a goal and an assist. He is so good with the puck, and despite being the oldest av on the team he has not lost a step in his game. He is a true sniper in every way, and whether they have him with Stastny or Duchene, he makes both of them better
1. J.S Giguere - Despite allowing 3 goals, Giguere played very well infront of a completely flat avs team. Regardless, he made saves at crucial times when the game could have gotten out of hand and enabled the avs to fight their way back. He made a brilliant save on Grabner at the end of the 3rd to give them a chance in OT, and it paid off.
Misplay of the Game: Kevin Porter taking draws on the PK, he was beaten cleanly in the 1st as the Islanders scored 5 seconds after. The avs need to make some moves to get another winger or 2 in the system, as players like Porter shouldn't be in the lineup
Play of the Game: Easy choice, Giguere's great save on Grabner at the buzzer takes the cake tonight
Game #17 - The avs have the Calgary Flames in town next, in a must-win divisional game on Saturday night (@10pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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