Avalanche Fall In Vancouver

Dec 8, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Mike Santorelli (25) reacts after scoring a goal against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere (35) and defenseman Erik Johnson (6) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche couldn’t get the offensive rolling in Sunday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks as they would take the loss, 3-2. Vancouver would get a lucky break early in the game as Colorado’s defenseman Nate Guenin made a terrible pass behind the net, leading to a goal by Mike Santorelli. The goal would be Santorelli’s seventh goal of the season, assisted by Chris Higgins, putting the Canucks up early 1-0.

The Avs would be fortunate as Canucks Kevin Bieksa would be called for a two-minute minor after tripping Maxime Talbot. The power-play would be short-lived however, as John Mitchell would be called for slashing on Mike Santorelli, which I didn’t agree with. The Canucks would take the 1-0 heading into the first intermission.

John Mitchell would have an excellent chance to the tie the game up early in the second period as he had a one-on-one chance with goaltender Roberto Luongo after intercepting a pass, but would get stuffed. Colorado’s defenseman Nick Holden took a slap-shot later in the second period that hit off one crossbar to the next as it trickled out. Vancouver would continue to hold on to the 1-0 lead heading into the second intermission.

Ryan Kesler would connect with his 15th goal of the season in the third period, putting the Canucks up by two goals. Kesler would be assisted by Mike Santorelli and Chris Higgins as Colorado’s defense was nowhere to be found. Moments later, Mike Santorelli would score again for his second goal of the game, assisted by Jarson Garrison. Down 3-0 with 5:00 minutes remaining in the third period, Colorado’s coach Patrick Roy would pull Jean-Sebastien Giguere, giving the Avalanche an extra attacker. With 7.1 seconds remaining in the game, Jamie McGinn would put the Avs on the board after being set up by Cody McLeod, also assisted by Nick Holden. The Avalanche would fall 3-1 as Roberto Luongo was solid all game, going 28-of-29 on save attempts, 96.6% percent. JS Giguere would earn his first loss of the season as he allowed three goals, 18/21 saves, 85.7% percent.

Three Stars:

3: Chris Higgins (VAN): Two assists.

2: Roberto Luongo (VAN): 28/29 saves, 96.6% percent.

1: Mike Santorelli (VAN): Two goals, one assist.

Good news is that Colorado’s road-trip is over with after going 1-2, getting outscored 13-to-6. The Avalanche will be back home Tuesday night as they will host the Phoenix Coyotes. The Avalanche would fall to 20-8-0 on the season with 40 points, currently fourth in the Central Division.