December 9th 2024.
The Colorado Avalanche have been having an impressive season so far, but there's always room for more standout performances as they strive for the Stanley Cup. And on Sunday night, they added another one to the list against the New Jersey Devils, a game that could possibly rank at the top of their achievements this season. Despite playing on short rest and on the road against one of the top teams in the NHL, the Avs dominated the Devils at the Prudential Center with a 4-0 victory.
Coach Jared Bednar couldn't contain his praise for his team's defensive performance, calling it their best game of the year. He was impressed by their organization, discipline, and ability to stay above the puck, making it difficult for the Devils to generate any offensive momentum. This was no small feat, considering the strong offensive capabilities of their opponents. The Avs' second line also played a crucial role, with Ross Colton's return adding even more strength to their game. After a thrilling comeback win in Buffalo and a less-than-satisfying performance against Carolina, the Avs have now won three out of four games on their current road trip, showcasing their true potential in the past four periods.
At the start of the game, the Devils seemed to have the upper hand, with the Avalanche appearing fatigued from playing four games in six days across multiple cities. In fact, the Devils had the first nine shot attempts and 15 out of 16 in the opening minutes. However, it was the Avs who scored first, with Casey Mittelstadt finding Colton in front of the net for a powerful one-timer. This was Colton's first goal since returning from a foot injury, and Mittelstadt's first point in eight games. The Devils continued to put pressure on the Avalanche, but a goal from Timo Meier was disallowed after an official review, boosting the Avs' confidence and slowing down the Devils' momentum.
As the game progressed, the Avalanche gained control and displayed their dominance, particularly in the second period. Logan O'Connor scored his fourth goal of the season, tipping in a shot from Calvin de Haan, increasing the Avs' lead to 2-0. But the real highlight of the period was Artturi Lehkonen's breakaway goal, set up by Mittelstadt, who had a great game with a goal and an assist. The Avs' offensive pressure was relentless, with numerous scoring opportunities and two shots hitting the post. At the same time, they were able to limit the Devils to only two shots on goal in the entire period.
Even as the Devils tried to mount a comeback in the third period, the Avs' defense remained strong, with goalie Scott Wedgewood making crucial saves to preserve their shutout. Finally, Parker Kelly sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, cementing the Avs' impressive performance against a tough opponent. Wedgewood, who has been solid in his three appearances for the Avs, and Alexandar Georgiev, who had a standout performance in their previous game, have given coach Bednar a difficult decision to make for their next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Speaking of consistency, Bednar recognizes the importance of having a stable and strong goaltending performance, something that has been lacking for the Avs this season. But with recent performances from Wedgewood and Georgiev, he is hopeful that their team will continue to play with confidence in front of them, leading to long-term success. As the Avs continue their road trip, fans can't help but feel excited and optimistic about their chances of achieving their ultimate goal - the Stanley Cup. Stay tuned for more Avalanche news by signing up for the Avalanche Insider.
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