SB Nation Denver - Colorado Avalanche Final Score: Brian Elliott Loses In Avalanche Debuthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-02-23T22:16:07-07:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/17750562011-02-23T22:16:07-07:002011-02-23T22:16:07-07:00Colorado Avalanche Final Score: Brian Elliott Loses In Avalanche Debut
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<p>Even with new faces around, it's been more of the same for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a>: shaky goaltending and poor defense leading to losses. In his first game in net for the Avalanche, recently-acquired <span>Brian Elliott</span> allowed all the goals in a 5-1 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Edmonton Oilers</a>. He faced 31 shots. <span>Erik Johnson</span> made his debut in front of his new home crowd and spent 26:29 on the ice, a team-high.</p>
<p>Outside of <span>Milan Hejduk</span>'s power play goal in the second period, there wasn't much going on for the Avalanche in the game. Edmonton's <span>Dustin Penner</span> had a power play goal in the first, and <span>Taylor Hall</span> had one in the second period. <span>Sam Gagner</span> had the other Edmonton goal of the second period. In the third, the score got out of hand with <span>Jordan Eberle</span> and <span>Kurtis Foster</span> scoring goals in a two-minute time frame.</p>
<p><span>Devan Dubnyk</span> was a wall in net for Edmonton, stopping 38 of 39 shots.</p>
<p>The Avalanche (26-28-7, 59 points) have not won consecutive games since the middle of January. Since then, they have dropped 13 of their last 15 games. They are off until Saturday, when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> at 2:00 p.m. MT.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-avalanche/2011/2/23/2011842/colorado-avalanche-final-score-brian-elliott-loses-in-avalanche-debutRuss Oates2011-02-23T15:32:29-07:002011-02-23T15:32:29-07:00Avalanche Vs. Oilers: Erik Johnson Debuts In Denver
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<p>What a difference a day makes! After being mired in the NHL's longest winless streak, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> broke out in a big way against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">St. Louis Blues</a>. Goalie <span>Peter Budaj</span> gave one of his best performances of the season, <span>Paul Stastny</span> broke out of an extended slump with the game-winning goal and two assists, and perennial trade target <span>John-Michael Liles</span> added two assists.</p>
<p>But the hero of the game was newly acquired defenseman <span>Erik Johnson</span>, who made a spectacular move against his former club and used a splendid wrist shot to break the 2-2 tie midway through the third period.</p>
<p>Now that Colorado has finally beat their winless streak, it's time to make it two victories in a row, and the conditions are ripe. The cellar-dwelling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Edmonton Oilers</a> come to Pepsi Center and will face off against the Avalanche in Erik Johnson's home debut. Edmonton has actually won three of their last four games in dominating fashion, with <span>Ales Hemsky</span> and rookie <span>Taylor Hall</span> leading the way offensively.</p>
<p>It's becoming crunch time for Colorado. They have a (very) slim chance at making the playoffs, but they need to win games in bunches until the end of the season, With very few home games left, a home loss to the Oilers would be inexcusable. Tonight sets the tone for the remainder of the season. Win, and you have some momentum. Lose, and you are playing for a higher draft pick come June.</p>
<p>Newly acquired goalie <span>Brian Elliott</span> has finally resolved his immigration issues and will get his first start in goal for Colorado. Devan Dubnyk will get the start for Edmonton.</p>
<p>Puck drops at Pepsi Center at 7:30 p.m. MST.</p>
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