Avalanche Vs. Blackhawks: Tomas Fleischmann Scores Hat-Trick, Colorado Wins, 4-3, Over Chicago

The Colorado Avalanche’s Tomas Fleischmann added some excitement to Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Fleischmann scored a hat-trick in the third period to lift the Avalanche 4-3 over the Blackhawks. He scored the first two on power plays and with only two minutes in between to put Colorado up 3-1.

Jonathan Toews cut the lead to 3-2 three minutes later, but Fleischmann answered back at 14:42. Troy Brouwer scored a goal with two seconds left to play, but it was too little too late.

The first star of the game, Fleischmann now has nine goals on the season, five since he arrived in Colorado. This was his first career hat trick.

Greg Mauldin scored the Avalanche’s first goal at 13:39 in the first period. Matt Duchene had two assists on the night. Adam Foote, David Jones, Ryan O’Byrne, Kevin Shattenkirk, Paul Stastny and Daniel Winnik each had an assist in the game.

The Avalanche’s Craig Anderson stopped 35 of 38 shots and earned the second star of the game. Corey Crawford faced only 23 shots and saved just 19.

Colorado (17-10-4, 38 points) are 3-0 against the Chicago Blackhawks this season (with one game left to play). The victory gave the Avalanche their fourth straight win. They take the Pepsi Center ice again on Friday, Dec. 17 against the Ottawa Senators.

Avalanche Vs. Blackhawks: Chicago's Brian Bickell Scores Goal, Ties Game At One After Two Periods

The Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks are tied at one after two period of play. Bryan Bickell scored at 5:39 in the period to tie the game at one. Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith assisted.

The Blackhawks continue to outshoot the Avalanche, 30-12.

Avalanche Vs. Blackhawks: Greg Mauldin Gives Colorado 1-0 Lead After First Period

Following a potent offensive game on Monday night, the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks have played a fairly quiet game. The Avalanche lead the Blackhawks, 1-0, after one period of play.

Greg Mauldin snapped off a wristshot and put it past Corey Crawford at 13:39 in the first period. It was his fifth goal of the season. Daniel Winnik and Adam Foote assisted on the play.

The Avalanche had two penalties in the period, one for too many men on the ice and the other was for roughing by Matt Duchene. Other than that, it was an uneventful period.

The Blackhawks outshot the Avalanche, 14-6, but Craig Anderson made all 14 saves. Corey Crawford, who replaced Marty Turco during the second period of Monday’s game, allowed Mauldin’s goal.

Avalanche Vs. Blackhawks: Round Two

After a wild game at Pepsi Center on Monday night, the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche meet up once again, only this time at United Center in Chicago. The two teams combined for 12 goals, including two goals from Avalanche star Matt Duchene. It was Colorado's third victory in a row.

Since then-leading scorer Chris Stewart broke his hand in November, the duo of Paul Stastny and Duchene have stepped up in a big way. Duchene has five goals and four assists in those seven games, while Stastny has contributed four goals and five assists. Their production, and the overall forward depth of the Avalanche, has carried the team back into a tie with the Vancouver Canucks for first place within the Northwest Division.

Chicago, on the other hand, is currently out of playoff position. Though the standings in the Western Conference change on a nightly basis, it's becoming obvious this is not the same Chicago team that won the Stanley Cup last season. They can still score, but the defense has been suspect. Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith has had a very average season, and the team has been let down by their goaltending. Marty Turco has simply not been the answer in net for the Blackhawks, going 8-8 and carrying an .896 save % this year. Turco was pulled early in the second period after giving up four goals.

Craig Anderson will start in net tonight for Colorado. Corey Crawford will get the start tonight for Chicago.

Puck drops at 6:30pm MST.