FINAL/Overtime: Colorado Avalanche 2, New Jersey Devils 1. Avs forward Ryan O’Reilly scores the game-winner in OT
By Andrew Dill
Feb 3, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda (8) and center John Mitchell (7) grab New Jersey Devils center Ryan Carter (20) after a save by Colorado Avalanche goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere (35) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (36-14-5, 77 points) came away with a win via overtime in a fantastic finish. New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider was stellar behind the net stopping 23-of-25 shots, .920% save percentage but would let in two goals late. Avs would go into overtime with the Devils as Ryan O’Reilly made quick work of the OT period knocking down his 21st goal of the season for the 2-1 lead.
The Devils were the first team to strike as they scored with less than two minutes to go in the first period. Ryan Carter would shoot one near the blue-line right under Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the 1-0 lead. Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta would pick up the helpers on the goal. Giguere looked shaky right away in the game as he did in his last couple of outings but really settled down.
We jump right to the third period as the Colorado Avalanche trailed 1-0 with less than three minutes remaining. Head coach Patrick Roy decided to pull the goaltender Giguere early and it would pay dividends. Tyson Barrie would take a slap-stop from the top as forward P.A. Parenteau was on the right side of Schneider and tipped it in for his 10th goal of the season. Barrie and captain Gabriel Landeskog picked up the assists.
With 42 seconds remaining in the third period, Andy Greene of the New Jersey Devils would be called for a two-minute minor for slashing Avs center Matt Duchene. Colorado would fail to score in the remaining of the third but had the power-play still in tact moving into the overtime period.
Just 28 seconds into the overtime period, Ryan O’Reilly had enough and ended the game on a nice feed from Matt Duchene to collect his 21st goal of the season as Colorado came away with the 2-1 win, picking up two points. Rookie Nathan MacKinnon would also pick up the assist on the game-winner.
Three Stars:
3: Jean-Sebeastien Giguere (COL): 26-of-27 saves, .964% save percentage.
2: P.A. Parenteau (COL): 1 goal.
1: Ryan O’Reilly (COL): Game-winning goal in overtime (21st of the season)
The Colorado Avalanche (36-14-5, 77 points) continue their four-game road trip as they take on the New York Rangers Tuesday night. Puck-Drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM MT.