Joel Kiviranta was the game’s MVP.
Those who were rooting against Alexandar Georgiev got their wish. Heading into one last busy stretch before the holiday break, the Colorado Avalanche continued on their road trip to visit the some old friends and the San Jose Sharks. The visitors got the better of their former goaltender in a third period come back in this 4-2 victory.
The Game
On a night of redemption it didn’t take long for the power play to finally cash in as the Avalanche got on the board at 3:40. Putting Val Nichushkin at the net front payed instant dividends as he expertly crafted a tip past Alexandar Georgiev on a puck that bounced off the end boards. San Jose pushed back after the goal and got 10 shots on net but the score remained 1-0 after the first frame.
The Sharks had the energy going to start the second period and were rewarded for it. First, Carl Gundstrom scored his first goal of the season at 4:26 when he took advantage of some lax coverage and Makenzie Blackwood left a lot of room as he was far out in the crease.
San Jose took the lead on a bit of a broken play at 9:29. William Eklund tipped the puck with a high stick and it went in the air but multiple Avalanche players touched it before Eklund launched the puck past Blackwood. Jared Bednar challenged the goal for a missed stoppage but the referees disagreed and the goal stood. The home team took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.
Third periods are usually when the Avalanche find some effort and urgency in their game and this contest was no different. Colorado found another power play goal as Mikko Rantanen got his one timer to find the back of the net and the game was tied at 8:26.
Then it was Joel Kiviranta having one of his random game-of-his-life type moments as he scored two goals to put the Avalanche up by two. The first one came right after a penalty kill and the second on a broken play in the offensive zone. The goals counted and the Avalanche walked away with a 4-2 victory.
Takeaways
A lethargic start defined this game that once again relied on a push and come back in the third period. This type of play is becoming a hallmark of this Avalanche squad who for some reason find it difficult to play a complete game.
Mackenzie Blackwood did his job to keep the Avalanche in this game but the squad in front of him is giving up more shots leading to more saves and an increased save percentage. The Sharks outshot Colorado 34-31 in this contest, which has become a theme as of late.
Word on the street is current Colorado Eagle Jere Innala will play tomorrow night in Anahiem. Hopefully he finds chemistry with Ivan Ivan in the five minutes they will play together because the fourth line has been brutal in its current construction and it is undermining any value Ivan brings to the lineup.
Upcoming
A quick turnaround to a back-to-back tomorrow night at the Anaheim Ducks at 8 p.m. MT.