Nathan MacKinnon posted his 9th goal of the playoffs to give Colorado the lead with 5 minutes to go in the period. It seemed like the Avs were gonna have a cushy final 5 with the lead, but the dying seconds of the period reminded us why playoff hockey is the best. Zach Hyman tied things up with a goal in the final 23 seconds of the period. However, Cale Makar did answer with a goal that was heavily reviewed as offsides but somehow stood:
Either way, it stood and the Avalanche took a 3-2 lead into the middle frame. Nazem Kadri made sure the Avalanche stayed in control. He scored the Avs’ 4th goal on the power-play in the first 32 seconds of the period, continuing the tear he’s been on:
The Oilers scooped one back. Shortly after, the Avalanche added 3 more goals. Mikko Rantanen scored at the 4:38 mark and JT Compher followed under 2 minutes later. Things got shakey for a moment when Darcy Kuemper left in the early second period. Bringing a new goalie into a game at this rate is always nerve-wracking especially when you’re winning and said goalie is leaving for injury. You never know how that can affect the team. Pavel Francouz swapped in with no sweat though. The Colorado Avalanche are nothing if not resilient. Despite some close chances on both sides, it took another 10 minutes – exactly – for Andrew Cogliano to add another goal and make this game 7-3.
McDavid got one back a few seconds later but the Avs took a comfortable 7-4 lead into the final frame. Despite giving up another 2 goals in the third period, the Avalanche dominated and came out winning 8-6. The Avalanche were on the ball tonight. Cale Makar played out of his mind. He finished the night with a goal and 2 assists, 4 blocked shots, and 27:16 in ice time. Nazem Kadri had a goal but registered 9 shots on net in 17:20 on the ice.
The Avalanche stunned the Oilers in Game 1 but they need to be ready for a bounce-back in Game 2. The Oilers lost Game 1 of Round 2, but they ended up extinguishing the Flames. The Avs are looking like they’re ready to keep this party going all the way to the Finals. It’s going to be a great series to watch as the Oilers are shaping up to do the same.
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Featured Image: Colorado Avalanche Twitter
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