Tyson Barrie, Semyon Varlamov Shine In Comeback Win Over The New York Rangers Via Shootout, 3-2

Apr 3, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Andre Benoit (61) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period against the New York Rangers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche game back in dramatic fashion yet again as Tyson Barrie (believe it or not) was the hero. The defenseman would jump up into the play in the third period, scoring with than a minute to go to tie the game up at two apiece. Paul Stastny and Erik Johnson would be credited with the assists as the comeback kids were at it again Thursday night at the Pepsi Center.

Jumping back to the first period, Rangers John Moore would score on a blast from near the blue-line to put the Rangers up early 1-0. Mats Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot would pick up the assists as Moore scored just two minutes into the game. Heading into the second period with the Rangers up, John Mitchell would find Andre Benoit on a two-one-one, backhanded it top shelf past Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game up at one apiece. Ryan O’Reilly would also receive a point on the assist.

Later on in the second period, Derek Stepan would lead a two-on-one of his own, hitting the top shelf just out of the reach of Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov for the 2-1 Rangers lead. Kevin Klein and Dan Girardi would pick up the assists. Also in the second period, Colorado’s Cody McLeod would get tangled up with a few Rangers players, falling down awkwardly and his leg appeared to bend in a way it shouldn’t as he was helped off of the ice and didn’t return.

Now we head to the 19:08 mark in the third, less than a minute to play. Tyson Barrie as noted above, shot one past Lundqvist with the extra-attacker to tie the game up at two. Neither team would strike in overtime as the game would head to a shootout. Tyson Barrie was the first one up and would put one in the back of the net. He would be the only player in the overtime period to score as Semyon Varlamov was on his game.

Three Stars:

3: Tyson Barrie (COL): Game-tying goal, shootout winner.
2: Henrik Lundqvist (NYR): 35-of-37 saves, .946% save percentage.
1: Semyon Varlamov (COL): 29-of-31 saves, 39th win of the season.

The Colorado Avalanche (49-21-6, 104 pts) return to action Saturday afternoon as they take on the Central Division leading St. Louis Blues on the road at Scottrade Center. Puck-drop is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM MT.