And it was even a surprise to the Predator fans in attendance at the Pepsi Center. The OT goal, scored by Predator David Legwand, was a sincere surprise. As we sat in section 134, where there were a couple of Preds fans, we all sat there as the players stopped going for the puck. None of us realized what had happened until we all noticed the red lights flashing above Anderson.
Courtesy of http://avalanche.nhl.com
It was a back and forth game the whole way. Before the puck dropped, the Avalanche were sitting at 4-5-1 in their last ten while the Preds were on a 6 game winning streak at 8-2-0. The first period was dominated by the Predators. They scored twice, the first on the power play by J.P. Dumont, and the second from Marcel Goc. The Avs had a few good shots in there, but Pekka Rinne was like a wall tonight. At least in the first period.
The second period belonged to the Colorado Avalanche. Though their offense and defense had started to pick up by the end of the first period, they really came out to play during the second. Assisted by Milan Hejduk, Ryan Wilson was able to notch his second NHL goal. At 8:32 into the second, Martin Erat received a double minor penalty for a high stick to the face of 3rd round draft pick Matt Duchene. Duchene shook it off and during the power play, Milan Hejduk tied the game up with a wrist shot assisted by David Jones and Kyle Quincey.
The Avs continued to show a strong offense and better defense. Marek Svatos gave the Avalanche the lead late in the second and then received an interference penalty about two minutes later. Svatos had been determined to get a goal and pummeled Rinne with a few rushes, but the Preds’ defense was good at clearing the puck from the slot. The Predators capitalized on the power play and a slap shot from Shea Weber got past Andy to tie the score at 3.
The third period was a back and forth kind of game. Neither team seemed able to get a shot on goal due to great defensive plays and big saves from both goaltenders. There were a lot of turnovers in the neutral zone and quite a few big hits. Matt Duchene got leveled a few times throughout the game, but you’ve got to give the kid credit. He would jump right up and get into the thick of it again. After a scoreless third period, the game went into overtime.
Courtesy of http://avalanche.nhl.com
We only got to see 3:07 of OT due to the shot from David Legwand. And as I said before, no one could tell that the puck had actually gone in. At first I thought it was going to be reviewed, but the referee made the hand signal for a good goal and the game was over.
In my opinion, the ice seemed a bit bouncy tonight. The puck was all over the place and it was hard for either team to keep it on their sticks. I think there were so many turnovers in the neutral zone due to the ping pong ball puck and bouncy ice. It was frustrating for both teams, I’m sure. Overall, however it was a good game. I’m sure there will be some out there saying this is the continuation of the “Curse of the New Ugly Third Jersey,” but I don’t think so.
What did you think of the game? We’re eager to hear your side!!!
Related posts:
- Avalanche Outwork Preds 2-1
- Avs Fall to Stars in Dallas
- Avs Fall to Wild 5-3
- Avalanche Still #1 in the Northwest Division
- Hawks Fall to Avs in Shootout
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