Overtime Goal By Matt Duchene Pushes The Colorado Avalanche Over The Winnipeg Jets, 3-2

Mar 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Andre Benoit (61) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal with 11 seconds left in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche (42-18-5, 89 points) continue to play excellent hockey as they defeated the Winnipeg Jets in a physical game at home in overtime, 3-2. Matt Duchene would muscle his way into the Winnipeg zone as the puck was poked away from him to the defender in front of the net. The defender would try to clear it Duchene’s way but he would pick it up and back-hand it in for the game-winning goal.

There was a fleet of penalties in the early goings of the game. Five penalties would be called, four of which would be called on the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado’s lone penalty would be on Marc-Andre Cliche after hooking Jim Slater on a breakaway attempt resulting in a penalty shot. Slater would happen to miss his penalty shot as Semyon Varlamov came up with a big save to keep the game scoreless.

John Mitchell would put the Avalanche on the board first with his 7th goal of the season to put the Avs up 1-o. Defensemen Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie picked up the assists. Dustin Byfuglien would even the score up on a power-play goal which was Cory Sarich getting a two-minute minor for holding. Byfuglien would shoot one out of the reach of Varlamov for his 15th goal of the season, on the assists from Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler.

Byfuglien would add another goal less than two minutes later, converting for his 16th of the season and second of the game. Michael Frolik and Bryan Little would pick up the assists as the Winnipeg Jets took the 2-1 lead. Colorado’s defenseman Andre Benoit would snipe one past Al Montoya for his 5th goal of the season on the assist from forward John Mitchell.

The game would head into overtime as it looked to be a playoff type game. Forward Matt Duchene would take the puck deep into the Jets zone, holding off the defender. He would head towards the net as the puck was poked right to the defender in front of the net. He would then try to clear it Duchene’s way but Duchene got control of it and back-handed it in for the 3-2 victory.

Three Stars:

3: Dustin Byfuglien (WPG): Two goals.
2: John Mitchell (COL): One goal, one assist.
1: Matt Duchene (COL): Game-winning overtime goal.

The Colorado Avalanche (42-18-5, 89 points) will return to action at home Wednesday night as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck-Drop is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM MT.