Avs Fall To Blues, 4-1
By Andrew Dill
Nov 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) checks St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (19) into the boards during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The highly anticipated rematch between the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche got started by David Backes. Backes would score his fifth goal of the season at the 2:16 mark early in the first period. He would be assisted by Avalanche killer T.J. Oshie, giving the Blues the early 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog would lay an absolute huge hit on Blues defender Jay Bouwmeester giving the Pepsi Center faithful something to cheer about. But Jan Hejda would be called for a two-minute minor for tripping as he was sent to the box. St. Louis led the National Hockey League in power-play percentage coming into the game at 24.7% and struck right away.
Alexander Steen would make the Avs pay as he scored his 20th goal of the season. He would be assisted by David Backes and Derek Roy, putting the Blues up early 2-0. Patrick Bordeleau would light the lamp as he was assisted by Jan Hejda and Brad Malone. That goal brought the Blues lead to within one, 2-1.
Blues would be called for a penalty as Ian Cole was called for holding on Matt Duchene. This would not be a good thing however, as Jaden Schwartz would score on a short-handed opportunity. That goal was his fifth of the season. The Blues would take a 3-1 lead.
Not much happened in the second period as Colorado and St. Louis would both be called for two-minute roughing penalties. Colorado would have a chance as St. Louis committed a penalty. They had a couple of chances, but couldn’t put the puck in the net.
Chris Stewart sealed the game with an empty-net goal, his fifth of the season, as St. Louis took the win, 4-1. Blues out-shot the Avs 36-25 and goaltender Jaroslav Halak was 25/26 on save opportunities. The Blues did a great job of controlling the puck and not allowing the speedy Avalanche team to get a rhythm.
Avalanche fall to 17-6-0 on the season and will travel to Minnesota to take on the Wild Friday night.