The Colorado Avalanche earned a point in the standings to begin their five game east coast road trip, but failed to earn the win as Carolina’s Brandon Sutter scored the game-winning goal a mere 1:16 into the overtime period.
Carolina goalie Cam Ward kept the Hurricanes in the game through the first two periods, when the Avalanche dominated play and were stifled on three straight power plays. The Hurricanes were able to use their physicality to slow the Avalanche’s superior speed and begin to control the pace of the game, though both teams had plenty of chances.
New acquisitions Tomas Fleischmann and Matt Hunwick both played solid minutes for Colorado, with Hunwick leading all Avalanche players with 21:55 of ice time. Recent addition O’Byrne was third on the team in ice time.
Kevin Shattenkirk set a franchise record with his assist on the Hejduk goal, scoring a point in eight straight games. This is an Avalanche record for a defenseman.
Colorado faces the high-flying Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.