The avs played a hard-fought game, but really couldn't beat Thomas Greiss and fell to the powerful San Jose Sharks 4-1. The avs played well, heavily outshot San Jose 37-17 but took too many penalties (6 to San Jose's 1) and lost too many faceoffs (lost 33 of 54). Simple mistakes cost the avs this game, after jumping to an early 1-0 lead they were unable to clear the puck out of their zone several times leading to the Sharks 2nd and 3rd goals. The big guns were moving for the Sharks tonight, Marleau with the hatrick, Pavelski 1 goal and Big Joe Thornton with 3 assists really played phenomenal. For the avs, the line of Duchene Hejduk and Landeskog continued to produce several good scoring chances, as well as the lone goal. J.S Giguere wasn't tested much, but really didn't make the saves when he needed to and after two solid games tonight he was mediocre (leading to Varlamov most likely starting next game). The avalanche have learned how to start games well, but continue to collapse in their own zone and have problems getting the puck out and it cost them big time tonight. The avs need to start figuring out how to play in their own zone, because they are getting outmatched by bigger/faster teams and find themselves stuck in their own zone without being able to clear. Tough game considering they had so many chances, but a loss is a loss and this one was bad.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan Wilson - Was the best defenceman tonight, he had 1 assist on a beautiful give and go with Duchene. He played almost 21 minutes, and had 4 shots on goal
2. Gabriel Landeskog - So far on his new line, he has played really well and is getting numerous chances. Gabriel had an assist on the Duchene goal, and registered 4 shots and 4 hits
1. Matt Duchene - Once again, Duchene was the best av on the ice scoring his 9th goal of the season and really creating chances every shift. After a really slow start, he has really come along and started to play as everyone expected him to
Misplay of the Game - Failing to clear the puck on both the Sharks 2nd and 3rd goals, as sloppy defensive plays cost the avs
Play of the Game - Duchene's goal gets it tonight, nice give and go with Wilson
Game #22 - The avs look to get back on track, with their 3rd game of the 8-game home-stand Wednesday night vs. the Vancouver Canucks (@930 pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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