Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche shutout New York Islanders, 5-0.
By Andrew Dill
Oct 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden (2) during the second period against the New York Islanders at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche finally got back into the win column Thursday night, defeating the New York Islanders at home, 5-0. Not only did the Avs’ win, but goaltender Semyon Varlamov was rock solid. Varly earned the first star honors by stopping 40-of-40 shots en route to an Avalanche victory; his first shutout of the season. Not to mention, Colorado is currently on a five-game point streak.
0. 106. Final. 5. 103
Colorado scored in each period Thursday night which was great to see. Avalanche forward Cody McLeod got the party started, netting his first goal of the 2014-15′ campaign as Matt Duchene and Maxime Talbot picked up the helpers.
The second period was a slump-buster if you will. Reigning Rookie of the Year (Calder Trophy) Nathan MacKinnon recorded his first goal of the season, 11 games later. The 19-year-old seemed to have all the time in the world as Isles goaltender Chad Johnson fell to the ground, sniping it top-shelf. When it rains it pours – MacKinnon notched his second goal of the game later that period, which is great to see.
Marc-Andre Cliche also recorded a goal in the second period, his first of the season as well. It seemed as if New York was willing to help out all the scoreless Avs’ Thursday night at the Pepsi Center.
Colorado continued to tack on in the third period as defenseman Erik Johnson drilled a shot past Isles goaltender Chad Johnson, acquiring his second goal of the season while Matt Duchene was the recipient of another assist. Duchene and Talbot each had two assists on the night while Jarome Iginla, Jamie McGinn, and Cody McLeod had an assist each.
The Colorado Avalanche (3-4-4, 10 points) return to action Saturday night on the road as they take on the St. Louis Blues. Puck-drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST, 6:00 PM MST.