SB Nation Denver - Avalanche Vs. Rangers: Colorado Closes Out East Coast Trip With Victory Over New Yorkhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2012-03-17T20:11:15-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/26295932012-03-17T20:11:15-06:002012-03-17T20:11:15-06:00Avalanche Vs. Rangers Final Score: Physical Colorado Team Outlasts New York, 3-1
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<p>The <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a> (45-19-8, 98 PTS) may have entered Saturday night's game the second best team in the NHL according to points percentage (No. 2 with .679), but the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Avalanche</a> (39-30-5, 83 PTS) played like the better team as they produced a 3-1 win.</p>
<p>Dominating the the Rangers physically (27 hits to 17), the Avalanche were able to pressure the Rangers into 10 giveaways and find just enough quality shots to score three goals on the night. Avalanche G <span>Semyon Varlamov</span> fended off a relentless Rangers' offense, saving 42 shots on goal for a .976 save percentage. Meanwhile, the New York goalie, <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span> (19 saves, .895 SV%), found himself unable to play to his season norms.</p>
<p>The Rangers broke onto the scoreboard first when LW <span>Mats Zuccarello</span> fired his first goal of the season ten minutes into the opening period. D <span>Matt Hunwick</span> responded less than five minutes later, notching his third goal of the season to put the game at 1-1.</p>
<p>Colorado grabbed the lead in the second period on LW <span>Gabriel Landeskog's</span> 21st goal of the season, and then added some security with a power play goal from C <span>Paul Stastny</span> in the waning seconds of the game.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage, visit our <a href="http://www.milehighhockey.com" target="_blank">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com" target="_blank">our Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter</a></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/17/2881254/avalanche-vs-rangers-final-scoreBradley Woodrum2012-03-17T11:08:49-06:002012-03-17T11:08:49-06:00Avalanche Vs. Rangers: Colorado Closes Out East Coast Trip In Big Apple
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> entered this week with a very difficult mission: play against three Eastern Conference playoff teams in three cities over the span of four nights -- and stay in the heart of the Western Conference playoff race.</p>
<p>So far, so good. </p>
<p>The Avalanche won a stunner in Buffalo earlier this week, then rode <span>Jean-Sebastien Giguere's</span> shutout for another point on the back to back against New Jersey. Entering Saturday's road trip finale against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a>, Colorado has earned three of a possible four points in the standings are currently sit in possession of that eighth and final seed with 81 points.</p>
<p>The bad news, of course, is that they have yet to gain any separation in the playoff chase despite their excellent play through the month of March. Phoenix also has 81 points, and three other teams sit just behind Colorado with 80 points. If Colorado wants to make the playoffs, they'll have to do so by continuing their hot streak. </p>
<p><span>Semyon Varlamov</span> will return to the net on the best stretch of his young career. The young netminder has carried the Avalanche throughout this second half surge with a 1.87 GAA and .937 SV% since January. He has only allowed 26 goals in his past 14 starts and has carried the load for this young Avalanche team.</p>
<p>The Rangers will also see reinforcements in net, as <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span> will start for the Rangers after missing the last two games with a bout of the flu. Lundqvist is enjoying the best statistical season of his career (1.88 GAA, 935 SV%) and is likely a finalist for the Vezina Trophy this season.</p>
<p><i>Puck drops at 5:00p.m. MDT</i></p>
<p><b><i>For more coverage, visit our <a href="http://www.milehighhockey.com" target="_blank">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com" target="_blank">our Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter</a></i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/17/2880261/avalanche-vs-rangers-colorado-closes-out-east-coast-trip-in-big-appleMuzia2012-03-15T19:38:53-06:002012-03-15T19:38:53-06:00Avalanche Vs. Devils Final Score: New Jersey Tips Colorado In Shootout, 1-0
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<p>Sixty minutes was enough time to settle the score between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> on Thursday night. And neither was a five minute extra frame, as the two teams battled through a scoreless affair before the Devils took home the 1-0 win in a shootout.</p>
<p><span>Jean-Sebastien Giguere</span> and <span>Martin Brodeur</span> were sensational in net, with each veteran stopping that came his way. Giguere finished the evening with 33 saves, while Brodeur added 28 of his own.</p>
<p>In the shootout, <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> and <span>Zach Parise</span> each scored on their attempts for the Devils, and the Avalanche - on the sticks of <span>Milan Hejduk</span> and <span>Peter Mueller</span> - was unable to solve Brodeur. </p>
<p>The Avalanche remains in the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and will next play on Saturday at the Eastern Conference-leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a>. </p>
<p><b><i>For updates, stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a></i><i>. For more in-depth coverage, visit our <a href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/" target="_blank">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our <a href="http://inlouwetrust.com/">Devils blog In Lou We Trust</a></i><i>. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nhl">NHL news hub</a></i><i>.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2876445/avalanche-devils-final-score-shootout-jean-sebastian-giguere-martin-brodeurField Yates2012-03-15T18:35:17-06:002012-03-15T18:35:17-06:00Avalanche Vs. Devils Score Update: After 2 Periods, It's Still 0-0
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<p>The goaltending duel continues in New Jersey, as the Avalanche and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> remain scoreless after two periods of play.</p>
<p><i>Related: <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874593/avalanche-vs-devils-streaking-colorado-welcomes-matt-duchene-back/in/2629593">Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey</a></i></p>
<p>Both teams had quality chances in the second period, but goaltenders Jean-sebastien Giguere and <span>Martin Brodeur</span> have been too tough to beat. The Devils had a slim 12-11 advantage in shots on goal in the second period, though the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> still have the overall edge at 19-17.</p>
<p>There have only been two power play situations in the game thus far -- one for each team -- and the Devils have a 16-13 edge in the faceoff circle.</p>
<p><i>For updates, stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a></i><i>. For more in-depth coverage, visit our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our <a href="http://inlouwetrust.com/">Devils blog In Lou We Trust</a></i><i>. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nhl">NHL news hub</a></i><i>. </i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2876317/avalanche-vs-devils-score-update-nhlSteven Muma2012-03-15T17:51:11-06:002012-03-15T17:51:11-06:00Avalanche Vs. Devils: Colorado And New Jersey Scoreless After 1st Period
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> are playing good hockey these days, and they're trying to win their fourth game in a row on Thursday night. But so far neither the Avalanche nor the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> have been able to find the back of the net, and the two teams are scoreless after 20 minutes of play.</p>
<p><i>Related: <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874593/avalanche-vs-devils-streaking-colorado-welcomes-matt-duchene-back/in/2629593">Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey</a></i></p>
<p>Unofficially, Colorado had an 8-5 edge in shots on goal in the period. Both teams were 0-1 on the power play, and the faceoffs were split 7-7.</p>
<p>The Avs' current hot streak of play has helped them claim second place in their division and the No. 8 spot overall in the Western Conference.</p>
<p><i>For updates, stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com">SB Nation Denver</a></i><i>. For more in-depth coverage, visit our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our <a href="http://inlouwetrust.com">Devils blog In Lou We Trust</a></i><i>. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nhl">NHL news hub</a></i><i>. </i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2876229/avalanche-devils-score-update-nhlSteven Muma2012-03-15T12:22:45-06:002012-03-15T12:22:45-06:00Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey
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<p>What will the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> do next? After a dramatic overtime victory against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> on Monday, the Avalanche topped themselves with a stunning shootout victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a>, topped by <span>Jamie McGinn's</span> tying goal with 1.7 seconds left in the game.</p>
<p>With every single point crucial, the Avalanche head down the Atlantic coast to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> in a showdown of two of the top rookies in the league this year. <span>Gabriel Landeskog</span> is getting plenty of national press with his recent performances on national television, and <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/just-hand-calder-trophy-gabriel-landeskog-already-151401940.html;_ylt=AsGhYmUcxVNvvTLsCp4qx1KRbcp_;_ylu=X3oDMTFkODlraXRxBG1pdANCbG9ncyBJbmRleARwb3MDNDgEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ0luZGV4VGVtcA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFvcGs0cnBnBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANibG9nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3">some members of the press are calling</a> the Calder Trophy race right now. But Devils rookie center <span>Adam Henrique</span> has a strong case for the award as well. The forward has excelled on the top line with <span>Zach Parise</span> and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> this season, and is tied for the rookie lead (along with Landeskog) with 46 points on the season.</p>
<p>The Devils have a firm grasp on a playoff berth right now, and are only four points behind Pittsburgh for that coveted fourth seed in the East -- and the home ice advantage that comes with that position.Their stars have shone brightly of late, as Patrick Elias, Parise, and Kovalchuk are all averaging at least a point per game over their last ten contests. Future Hall of Fame goalie <span>Martin Brodeur</span> has been solid in net for the Devils, allowing only 15 goals in his past eight starts.</p>
<p>Colorado's offense is firing on all cylinders right now with the addition of McGinn and <span>Steve Downie</span>. They hope to continue their scoring ways with the return of <span>Matt Duchene</span>. The star forward was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with an ankle injury, but was cleared for play against the Devils.</p>
<p><span>Jean-Sebastien Giguere</span> will get the start in net, giving <span>Semyon Varlamov</span> some rest after his performance against the Sabres.</p>
<p>Puck drops at 5:00 p.m. MDT.</p>
<p><i><b>For more coverage, visit our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighhockey.com">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our<a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com"> Devils blog In Lou We Trust.</a></b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/15/2874593/avalanche-vs-devils-streaking-colorado-welcomes-matt-duchene-backMuzia2012-03-14T20:39:08-06:002012-03-14T20:39:08-06:00Avalanche Vs. Sabres Final Score: Colorado Prevails in Shootout
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> have now won eight of their last 11 games after outlasting the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 in a shootout on Wednesday night. Though Colorado has been playing well lately, they entered in 11th place in the Western Conference. To have a shot at securing a top eight seed and a place in the postseason, Colorado can't afford losses. The win over red-hot Buffalo goalie <span>Ryan Miller</span> is certainly huge. The win gives the Avs 80 points and pushes them to 38-30-4 overall. Buffalo falls to 33-29-9.</p>
<p>The teams took turns scoring on each other all night. The first period ended 2-2, and the second and third periods were each 1-1.</p>
<p>Buffalo grabbed a 4-3 lead just two minutes into the third period when <span>Alexander Sulzer</span> scored his first goal of the season. <span>Jamie McGinn</span> would answer for Colorado with his second goal of the night and 19th of the season.</p>
<p>After a scoreless overtime session, <span>Peter Mueller</span> beat Ryan Miller on 20-foot wristshot to cement the win for the Avalanche.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage, visit our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our<a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/"> Sabres blog Die By The Blade</a>.</i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/14/2872975/avalanche-vs-sabres-final-scoreRicky O'Donnell2012-03-14T19:20:28-06:002012-03-14T19:20:28-06:00Avalanche Vs. Sabres Score Update: Colorado And Buffalo Head Into 3rd Tied 3-3
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> have peppered <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> goalie <span>Ryan Miller</span> with shots all night long, but they still can't shake free from Buffalo. The Avs and Sabres head into the third period 3-3 at the First Niagara Center tonight after a wild first period carried over into solid action at each end in the second.</p>
<p>Buffalo and Colorado have taken turns scoring on each other all night. First it was <span>Marcus Foligno</span>, who put the Sabres up 1-0 when he beat <span>Semyon Varlamov</span> just 1:39 into the game. The Avalanche's <span>Jamie McGinn</span> would answer back with his 18th goal of the year halfway through the period to knot the score. <span>Drew Stafford</span> made it 2-1 Buffalo when he scored his 14th goal of the season short-handed. Colorado would answer again, this time with Shane O'Brien and <span>Ryan Wilson</span> setting up <span>David Jones</span> for his 17th score of the season.</p>
<p>The Avs grabbed their first lead of the night when <span>Gabriel Landeskog</span> scored on a power play five minutes into the second. Foloigno would would answer with his second goal of the night six minutes later, and that's where we stand: 3-3, one period left.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage, visit our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey</a> and our<a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/"> Sabres blog Die By The Blade</a>.</i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2012/3/14/2872782/avalanche-vs-sabres-score-updateRicky O'Donnell