Having lost four straight, the Colorado Avalanche entered this game against the Vancouver Canucks knowing how important a victory would be. After falling behind early in the first period, the Avalanche scored the tying goal to even the score and generate some momentum heading into the second period.
The Canucks opened the scoring less than four minutes into the opening period, with Ryan Kesler finding the back of the net for hits 16th goal of the season. Alexander Edler and Mason Raymond combined to setup Kesler for the opening goal. However, after the opening goal, Vancouver struggled to apply pressure to the Avalanche defense, attempting only six shots in the period.
After falling behind early, Colorado dominated the remainder of the period. The Avalanche tested Roberto Luongo throughout the period, attempting 18 shots. However, Luongo was terrific, allowing only one goal. The lone goal came from David Jones on the Power Play with Paul Stastny and Ryan O'Reilly providing the assist.
For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Canucks blog Nucks Misconduct.