The Colorado Avalanche have won seven of their last eight games, and the Avs are looking to continue their recent stellar play on Monday against the LA Kings at the Staples Center. Through one period, the Avalanche and Kings are knotted in a scoreless tie.
LA seemingly out-played the Avalanche in the first period, but Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov made several quality saves. The Kings out-shot the Avs 12-5 in the period, but Colorado holds an edge in both hits (13-12) and faceoff wins (12-7).
There were three penalties in the third period. Colorado's Ryan O'Reilly drew a four-minute double minor for high sticking on Jack Johnson just 20 seconds in to the period. Seven seconds later, LA's Mike Richards was whistled for a two minute interference penalty on Shane O'Brien. O'Brien drew the final penalty of the period when he was sent to the box for two minutes after getting called for cross checking on Colin Fraser.
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Kings blog Jewels From The Crown.