It’s been a duel of promising first round picks in the first period in Rexall Place as Edmonton enters the first intermission leading 2-1.
The Oilers broke out in a big way, with 2005 first round pick Andrew Cogliano scored two goals in a three minute span, his second and third goals on the season.
Just when the game appeared to get out of hand, Colorado’s Matt Duchene brought the Avalanche back from the dead with an effort goal, slamming the puck past Martin Gerber’s (making his first start of the season) pads. It appeared that Kevin Shattenkirk was the last to touch the puck, but the official scorer credited Duchene with the tally.
UPDATE: Kevin Shattenkirk has indeed been credited with the goal. Matt Duchene and Milan Hejduk get credit with assists.
Avalanche Ryan Wilson has had a rough start to the game, allowing both Cogliano goals in his first two starts by not finishing checks or being physical in the crease. As a result, he only played 3:52 in the period while the remainder of the Avalanche defensive corps played well over 6:30 to take up the slack. It remains to be seen how much of a leash coach Joe Sacco gives Wilson the remainder of the game.