Ilya Kovalchuk scored his fifth goal of the season thanks to assists from Zach Parise and Adam Henrique for the only goal of the second period as the New Jersey Devils cut the Colorado Avalanche's lead to 3-1.

After a four penalty first period, the second period featured just one: the Avs Kyle Quincey was whistled for slashing. New Jersey's power play will carry over to the third period.

The offensive action has been fairly tame thus far. New Jersey out-shot Colorado 9-6 in the second period and holds a 15-14 advantage in shots on game in the game. The Avs have dominated faceoffs, holding a 19-8 edge. Colorado leads in hits 16-15.

For the Avs to finish off the Devils and earn the win, goalie Semyon Varlamov will have to continue to play well. The young Colorado goaltender has lost eight of his last nine starts.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Devils blog In Lou We Trust.