Two words, people: Craig Anderson. He was the solution, the primary variable, in the equation that led to the Avalanche win over the Dallas Stars earlier this afternoon. Anderson hadn’t seen more shots than this since October 24th vs. the Red Wings when he stopped a season high 48 of 49 shots. This afternoon in Dallas, Andy tied his 48 saves, but this time out of 51 shots. No matter. The Avs won this one thanks to Anderson.
Photo by Glenn James - Getty Images
Anderson wasn’t the only guy to show up at the game tonight. The Avs were clicking on offense and defense. Milan Hejduk notched the first goal of the game just over the half-way point of the 1st period. It was the first of four goals Marty Turco would let through before he was pulled from the game and replaced by Kari Lehtonen.
The only other goal in the first was from Dallas forward Jamie Benn. Stephane Yelle was run into the boards legs first and limped to the locker room. Minutes later, Cody McLeod took a puck off his foot, I believe, though Adrian Dater is reporting that he has a leg injury. Both players took a shift later in the period to test their legs, but retreated to the locker room shortly thereafter.
The 2nd period saw the most goals in the entire game. A power play goal was scored by Darcy Tucker (yeah, I know!) followed by two goals from Brandon Segal. Paul Stastny received credit for a deflection off a Peter Mueller goal. Mueller has at least a point in every game he’s played with the Avalanche since the Wojtek Wolski trade.
Liles received the other assist as Mueller burned the shot in from #4′s pass. This is the great thing I’ve noticed about the Avalanche power play since sending Wolski to Phoenix: Liles passes to Mueller, if Mueller has a shot, he’ll take it. When Liles used to pass to Wolski, Wolly would often send it back to Liles and chaos would ensue. Shooting from the point is what the Boys have needed.
Chris Stewart put the fourth goal up on the board with a wrap around shot that just squeaked past Turco. In all honesty, it shouldn’t have gone in, but I’ll take it! Turco was then pulled and Lehtonen took his place between the pipes.
Photo by Glenn James - Getty Images
Lehtonen let a single goal in the net, a second from Paul Stastny who’s been on fire since returning from the Olympics. A wrist shot from the slot beat Lehtonen and pretty much sealed the deal for the remainder of the game. The Avs took a penalty with just over a minute remaining.
The Stars pulled Lehtonen for an extra attacker and we saw the barrage of 6 on 4 for over a minute. Anderson made some amazing saves in that minute, proving that he’s one of the top goaltenders in the NHL today.
What we saw tonight was the Avalanche with all pistons firing. This is the way they should play every single night, all 60 minutes. As far as the Western Conference standings are concerned, the Avs sit a point behind the LA Kings and three above the Nashville Predators. Three points separate the Avs from the Vancouver Canucks. It’s going to be tight this season, readers. Keep an eye on those standings!
What are your thoughts on the game today?
Related posts:
- Avs Fall to Stars in Dallas
- Avs Win 6th Straight, Andy Gets Another Shutout
- Are You Kidding Me?
- Avs Top Kings in SO
- Avalanche Sweep Blues
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