Colorado Avalanche defeat Boston Bruins; collect first win of season
By Andrew Dill
Oct 13, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) reacts after the winning goal scored by center Daniel Briere (center) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
They did it, they finally did it. Not only did the Colorado Avalanche score for the first time this season, they came away with the 2-1 victory late in the game to collect the first win of the season over the Boston Bruins on the road.
2. 103. Final. 1. 70
After going two consecutive games to start the season without recording a goal, the Colorado Avalanche finally got the monkey off their back in the second period. Jamie McGinn took a harmless shot on net from the right side that just squeezed through the arm of Bruins goaltender Niklas Svedberg. Seven-straight periods without a goal finally came to an end — a sigh of relief from the Avs’ and their fans.
The Bruins responded right away as the Avalanche took another too-many men on the ice penalty. On a rebound attempt, Bruins’ forward Loui Eriksson collected his first goal of the season on the assists from Carl Soderberg and Reilly Smith — tying the game up at one apiece.
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At the 8:58 mark in the second period, a couple of heavyweight fighters went at it. Avs’ Cody McLeod and Bruins’ Adam McQuaid dropped the gloves and took blows at each other, putting on a show for the fans at TD Garden — trying to give their respective teams some energy.
Free-agent acquisition Danny Briere was picked up for his veteran presence and his ability to play in the big games. He did just that late in the third period, putting one past Bruins’ keeper Niklas Svedberg with just 0.5 seconds remaining on the clock. A huge victory for the Avs’ who desperately needed to scratch some momentum moving forward. Also that goal from Briere is his 300th career goal — well deserved.
Reto Berra was very impressive in his start Monday afternoon. Colorado traded a 2014 2nd-round draft pick for Berra and he is proving his worth. The 27-year-old made his presence known, stopping 27-of-28 saves en route to Colorado’s first win of the 2014-15′ season — spelling Semyon Varlamov who had the game off.
The Colorado Avalanche (1-2-0) resume their four-game road trip Tuesday night as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST, 5:30 PM MST.