Edmonton Steals Win From Avalanche In Final Minute On Taylor Hall Goal

It was a night for Edmonton first round selections. After Andrew Cogliano put on a show in the first period, it was 2009 first overall selection Taylor Hall that won the game for the Oilers with a goal in the final minute of the game. It was Hall’s first ever game winning goal and came on a series of poor plays by Colorado.

After being outshot 13-9 by Edmonton, John-Michael Liles lost his stick chasing Jordan Aberle behind the net. He chose to pick it up quickly, but not before a beautiful pass to Hall sealed the game for the Oilers, their first home win in seven games.

Poor defensive play was the difference in the game, as Ryan Wilson was taken advantage of in the first period for two early goals. Liles made a mistake behind his own net that Edmonton was able to convert into the game winner.

Budaj withstood a full assault in the third period after not seeing much action in the first two periods of the game, but Colorado ran out of gas on their second road game in two nights. They remain tied for the division lead with Vancouver, and will face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night at Pepsi Center.

Matt Duchene Scores, Ties Game At Two Goals Apiece

Matt Duchene’s first period goal was rescored as a Kevin Shattenkirk score, but that didn’t stop him from tying the game up with an undeniable goal in the beginning of the second period. Duchene converted some great work behind the net from Brandon Yip and David Jones into a rebound shot past a sprawling Martin Gerber. With a goal and assist in the game, Duchene now has 20 points on the season.

A series of penalties slowed down the action during the second period, but the Avalanche still managed 17 shots in the period. They have now outshot the Oilers 28-11 in the game.

After his miserable first period, Ryan Wilson didn’t perform much better in the second. Even though he only saw three minutes of ice time, he was called for a tripping penalty that the Avalanche eventually killed off. Wilson’s 6:56 of ice time is less than half of any other defensemen, including Kyle Quincey (who is playing in his first game since returning from a concussion).

Edmonton's Andrew Cogliano Scores Twice In Three Minutes, Kevin Shattenkirk Responds

It’s been a duel of promising first round picks in the first period in Rexall Place as Edmonton enters the first intermission leading 2-1.

The Oilers broke out in a big way, with 2005 first round pick Andrew Cogliano scored two goals in a three minute span, his second and third goals on the season.

Just when the game appeared to get out of hand, Colorado’s Matt Duchene brought the Avalanche back from the dead with an effort goal, slamming the puck past Martin Gerber’s (making his first start of the season) pads. It appeared that Kevin Shattenkirk was the last to touch the puck, but the official scorer credited Duchene with the tally.

UPDATE: Kevin Shattenkirk has indeed been credited with the goal. Matt Duchene and Milan Hejduk get credit with assists.

Avalanche Ryan Wilson has had a rough start to the game, allowing both Cogliano goals in his first two starts by not finishing checks or being physical in the crease. As a result, he only played 3:52 in the period while the remainder of the Avalanche defensive corps played well over 6:30 to take up the slack. It remains to be seen how much of a leash coach Joe Sacco gives Wilson the remainder of the game.

Bacashihua To Back Up Budaj In Goal

Jason Bacashihua, 28, has been called up from AHL Lake Erie and will back up Peter Budaj tonight in net, according to the Denver Post.

Craig Anderson reaggravated his groin last night during the second period against Vancouver, less than a week after he returned to game action.

Bacashihua is unlikely to see game action for the next week while Anderson heals, but he will be available in case of emergency. He has posted solid numbers this season in the AHL, with a 7-5 record and 2.27 GAA.

Avalanche Vs. Oilers: Colorado Looks To Regain Momentum On National Television

After last night's unfortunate loss to the Vancouver Canucks, Colorado not only finds its four-game winning streak snapped, but they are no longer alone atop the Northwest Division. With the 4-2 Vancouver victory, both teams are tied for first place in the division (though Colorado holds the tiebreaker due to one more victory on the season).

Colorado lost more than the game last night. Goalie Craig Anderson, less than a week after returning from injury, became injured for the second time in a month on Vancouver ice. Captain Adam Foote, also only back barely a week from a concussion, left the game in the second period with an apparent knee injury. No word yet on the severity of these injuries, but consider both doubtful for tonight's game.

Tonight's opponent, the Edmonton Oilers, find themselves in the midst of another lost season. Wallowing in last place within the Western Conference, they have been victims of poor goaltending and a complete lack of offense. This is the second game of a back-to-back for Colorado, however, so Edmonton will likely find themselves the team with more energy. The greater question will be, can they muster enough offense to take down Colorado? Their leading scorer, defenseman Ryan Whitney, has 17 assists but has yet to tally a single goal.

Tonight's game marks the only scheduled national appearance for Colorado, as the game will be televised on NHL Network. Puck drops at 7pm MDT.

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