Minnesota Wild Defeat Colorado Avalanche 3-1 On Matt Cullen's Three Point Night

Sometimes it’s just not your night.

Minnesota Wild forward Matt Cullen scored two goals and an assist, and his big night was plenty to defeat the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center.

Colorado has now followed up their six game winning streak with two straight losses at home, with the offense disappearing. After being shut out by Los Angeles on Tuesday, Colorado only scored one goal against the Wild. David Jones’ power play goal in the first period has been the only score for the past 120 minutes of gameplay; a surprise after they scored nine total goals the previous two games.

Craig Anderson was pulled early in the second period due to ineffectiveness for the first time this season. Peter Budaj filled in cold from the bench, stopping all 18 shots he faced.

There was an injury scare halfway through the third period, as Colorado forward Greg Mauldin flew into the boards headfirst and laid on the ice for several minutes immobile. He left with a bloodied lip and did not return to the game.

The Avalanche now have several days off for the Christmas holiday before facing the Detroit Red Wings on December 27.

Wild Lead 3-1 After Two Periods, Craig Anderson Pulled

Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson was the story of the second period, as he was pulled due to ineffectiveness just three minutes into the period. After being all over the ice in the first period — and allowing two Matt Cullen goals — Anderson was again out of position and allowed Wild forward (and former Avalanche) Andrew Brunette to score the rebound from a Cullen slapshot from the point. This power play goal is the second special teams goal of the game for Minnesota, including the Cullen shorthanded goal in the first period.

Colorado has been very sloppy this game, with Avalanche forward David Jones being one of the few highlights. His power play goal is the only Avalanche tally of the game, and he has been absolutely robbed by Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom on at least three other occasions.

After two periods, Minnesota is outshooting the Avalanche 24-22. Peter Budaj has stopped all 10 shots he has faced in the game.

Frist Period Summary: Minnesota's Matt Cullen Scores Two Goals, Give Wild 2-1 Lead

A physical first period turns advantageous for the visiting Minnesota Wild, as forward Matt Cullen converted two fluky goals past struggling Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson. Minnesota has a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

Cullen’s first goal occurred at 9:43 in the first, as Anderson was caught sprawling out of the net making a save and Cullen was able to convert the rebound into a shorthanded goal 30 seconds into the Avalanche power play.

Colorado forward David Jones tied the game up less than a minute later, at 10:08, by powering his own rebound past Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom to tie the game. It was their 28th power play goal on the season as a team.

The tie was broken by yet another Matt Cullen goal at 16:04, as an errant pass bounced behind the boards and past a diving Anderson. Anderson tried to throw the puck out of the crease, but Cullen crashed into the goalie and forced the goal past the line.

Minnesota is outshooting Colorado 11-8 for the period.

Wild's Matt Cullen Scores Shorthanded Goal, Colorado's David Jones Ties It Up

Minnesota forward Martin Havlat took a needless slashing penalty, giving the Colorado Avalanche a power play opportunity, the first of the game. Less than 30 seconds into the opportunity, Minnesota Wild’s Matt Cullen converted a rebound on an open net to give the Wild a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. It was the first shorthanded goal that Colorado had given up since the first two weeks of the season and their fifth shorthanded goal surrendered this season.

On the very same power play, Colorado Avalanche forward David Jones tied up the game. His shot from the right faceoff circle was stopped by Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom, but Jones skated in hard and converted his own rebound, pushing Backstrom’s pads and the puck into the goal.

Avalanche Vs. Wild: Back To Division Play

After a disappointing loss Tuesday night to the Los Angeles Kings, their first shutout loss of the season, the Colorado Avalanche look to rebound with their first intradivision game since facing these very Wild at the end of November.

Their opponent? The Minnesota Wild, a team that is depending on their usual formula of intense defensive pressure to win games. And as usual, it is their lack of offensive depth that is keeping the WIld from legitimately competing for a playoff spot this season. They rank 27th in the NHL in goals scored, and can only boast two forwards with over 20 points on the season, Mikku Koivo and Martin Havlat. In goal, Minnesota has depended on Niklas Backstrom, who has produced solid numbers on the season.

The Avalanche are just glad to see that Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick has left town, as he has been the only person who coud stop their recent offensive surge. Even with the shutout, Colorado is still averaging a league best 3.75 goals in their past eight games. NHL First Star of the Week Matt Duchene looks to break his small scoring slump after going two straight games without even an assist on the scoreboard. He'll have to do so without help from winger Milan Hejduk, who is still recovering from his aggravated groin strain.

This is the second meeting this season between the two clubs, with Colorado handily defeating Minnesota 7-4 on the strength of a four point night from Greg Mauldin (2G, 2A).

Craig Anderson and Niklas Backstrom are expected to start in net.

Puck drops at 7pm MST.