It looked like the Avalanche were all set to go into the final period down two goals at home to the Phoenix Coyotes, but Ryan O’Reilly had other ideas. No. 37 snuck one past Mike Smith to get Colorado on the board just before the second ended.
Despite the 2-1 deficit, Colorado has played well. The Avalanche have out-shot Phoenix 28-19 thus far. Both teams are tied with 13 hits each.
The Coyotes’ lone second period goal came when Radim Vrbata found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the year. Assists on the play were credited to Martin Hanzal and Ray Whitney. It was the 11th point for the season for the 39-year old Whitney. Phoenix’s first period goal came when Taylor Pyatt drilled a wrister for his second score of the season.
For more coverage, please visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey or our Coyotes blog Five For Howling.