Winnipeg’s penalty kill imploded and Colorado took advantage.
After the critical series-tying win in Winnipeg, the Colorado Avalanche headed home for Game 3. It was another slow burn in which the Avalanche had to come from behind but turned it up in the third period on the back of their power play to grab a very convincing 6-2 win.
The Game
After an even start by each team it was the Avalanche who broke through first as Zach Parise continued his hot streak with a goal off of a rebound at 11:18 to beat Connor Hellebuyck. Following the score the home team did a better job getting their shot attempts though the middle of the ice and built a 10-7 advantage heading into the first intermission.
Although Colorado kept the pressure going to start the second period it was Winnipeg who converted a goal at 5:03 from Tyler Toffoli as he directed a backhand shot on net past Alexandar Georgiev. The Jets would receive the game’s first power play shortly thereafter and while the Avalanche killed most of it off, Josh Morrissey was able to get a point shot through at 10:50.
The momentum started to tilt the visitor’s way but Georgiev made a big save on Toffoli on a breakaway. Soon after the Avalanche got their first power play of the game but did not convert. It woke both teams up, though, and then it was action at both ends of the ice until the second frame concluded with Winnipeg still ahead 2-1.
The third period was defined by Winnipeg’s penalty kill imploding. Nathan MacKinnon tied the game with the man advantage at 2:11 by surprising Hellebuyck shooting five-hole. The game really turned when Devon Toews drew a four minute power play after getting whacked in the nose and Val Nichushkin gave the Avalanche the lead at 4:39.
Artturi Lehkonen really put the dagger in the Jets at 8:11 as Hellebuyck majorly overplayed his position and left the net wide open. The game was pretty much over at that point but Ross Colton got another at 12:36 just after another power play had expired. For some reason Winnipeg decided to pull their goaltender with a later period power play but Toews was the one who got the puck into the vacated net at 16:25. That set the final score at 6-2 as the Avalanche take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Takeaways
Both of Winnipeg’s weaknesses were exploited in this game allowing the Avalanche to come back for the win. Their bottom ten ranked penalty kill reared it’s ugly head as the Avalanche took control of the game with two third period power play goals plus one in spirit that was converted right after the man advantage expired.
Also, MacKinnon getting the better of Hellebuyck shooting five hole is another area of weakness that’s been pressured. Should these two factors continue the Avalanche could make quick work of this series.
Sam Girard returned from his injury in this game and played over 21 minutes, which allowed some of the defenseman behind him to play less. Girard picked up an assist as well and had an overall effective game.
Upcoming
A quick turn around to Game 4 which is a matinee affair at 12:30 p.m. MT Sunday nationally televised again on TNT.