Colorado Avalanche Gain One Point, Fall in Overtime to the New York Islanders
By Andrew Dill
Jan 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) defends his net in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Pepsi Center. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche finished their seven-game home stand with an overtime loss to the New York Islanders by the final of 2-1. Michael Grabner would get the game winning goal to put the Isles in the win column. Despite the loss, the Avs had an impressive home stand finishing 4-1-2 with 10 points.
Nathan MacKinnon has been on fire for the Avs on the home stand as the rookie connected with his 15th goal of the season to put the Avalanche up 1-0 late in the second period. Andre Benoit and Jamie McGinn would pick up the assists on his goal. That would be MacKinnon’s 5 goal in the last 4 games and 9th in the last 13 games.The Isles would answer early in the third period as Brock Nelson buried his 5th goal of the season to knot it up at one apiece. The two teams would finish out the third tied at one with an extra point on the line.
Brian Strait made a good pass to Michael Grabner in the Avalanche zone as he shot it past Varlamov from the slot for the game-winning goal as they Islanders earned their sixth-straight road victory. Islanders goaltender Kevin Poulin was magnificent in net tonight, going 30-for-31 on save attempts, .968% percent. His opposition in Semyon Varlamov was tough as well by stopping 22-of-24 shots, .917% save percentage. Jamie McGinn would record his 100th career point on the assist to Nathan MacKinnon.
Three Stars:
3: Semyon Varlamov (COL): 22-of-24 saves, .917% save percentage.
2: Kevin Poulin (NYI): 30-of-31 saves, .968% save percentage.
1: Michael Grabner (NYI): Game-winning goal.
The Colorado Avalanche (27-12-5, 59 points) are back in action tomorrow night as they hit the road and face the Minnesota Wild. Puck-Drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM MT.