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.