Mar 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Patrik Berglund (21) trips over Colorado Avalanche right wing PA Parenteau (15) during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (41-18-5, 87 points) lost a tough one at home to the Central Division leading St. Louis Blues, 2-1. Patrik Berglund would score the game-winning goal in the third period to hold off an Avalanche team that had won four-straight prior. Nathan MacKinnon’s 13-game point streak came to a halt as well.
The first period was a battle throughout with the Blues getting the first real scoring chance on net.John Mitchellmissed his man as Alexander Steen was in front of the net and his back-hand attempt was deflected by goaltenderSemyon Varlamov. Avalanche defensemanAndre Benoitwould be called for a holding the stick penalty onBrenden Morrow, setting up the first power-play of the game for the Blues.
The Avs would kill of the penalty and would see the Blues commit one of their own as newly acquiredSteve Ottcommitted a bizarre interference penalty onMatt Duchene. Colorado would struggle to get anything going on the power-play as they didn’t get a shot on net.Gabriel Landeskogset the tone for the Avs early on, throwing his body around collecting hit after hit. There would be a lot of pushing and shoving going on which made the game that much better.
The Avalanche would go on the power-play again in the second asBarret Jackmanwas called for interference on John Mitchell. The Avalanche couldn’t get anything going as they had just one shot on net. Blues wingerT.J. Oshiewould make a nice move pastNate Gueninto set up aDavid Backesgoal which was his 21st of the season. Oshie andKevin Shattenkirkwould pick up the assists to push the Blues to a 1-0 lead.
St. Louis would add another goal early in the third period asPatrik Berglundwould pick up his 12th of the season on the assist fromVladimir TarasenkoandJaden Schwartzto give the Blues two goal cushion.P.A. Parenteauwould chip away at the Blues lead, scoring his 14th goal of the season at the 8:57 mark in the third on a rebound attempt in front of the net to score Colorado’s first goal. Matt Duchene andRyan O’Reillywould get credited with the assists.
The Avalanche would have a good chance as Gabriel Landeskog came away with a steal earning a one-on-one chance withRyan Millerand it would appear to get blocked by his facemask. Later in the third, Colorado would pull Semyon Varlamov early and it almost paid off. A couple of pass attempts went under P.A. Parenteau who appeared to have the wide open net for a couple of shots but just couldn’t get his stick on it.
The Blues would hold on to win 2-1 with their defense at the end as Ryan Miller has yet to lose a game with his new club.
Three Stars:
3: Semyon Varlamov: 23-of-25 saves, .920% save percentage.
2: Ryan Miller: 26-of-27 saves, .963% save percentage.
1: Patrik Berglund: Game-winning goal.
The Colorado Avalanche (41-18-5, 87 points) return back to action Monday night as they host the Winnipeg Jets. Puck-drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT.
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