Before the NHL Olympic pause, the Colorado Avalanche played their final game at Ball Arena against the San Jose Sharks. The Avalanche, eager to finish strong despite some previous struggles, edged out the Sharks with a 4-2 victory. After the game, eight players headed off to Milan to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Let’s review tonight’s highlights!
First Period:
The Avalanche started with a burst of energy after a slow offensive showing in their previous game, dominating the shots with a 14-5 shot count. Although they had two power-play opportunities, they couldn’t capitalize. Overall, the team played well in the opening period, but San Jose’s goalie Yaroslav Askarov kept the net intact, resulting in a 0-0 score at the end of the first.
Second Period:
Early in the second, Artturi Lehkonen scored, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead after slipping the puck past Askarov during a scramble. A video review was conducted to rule out any infractions, but the goal was confirmed. Shortly after, Nathan MacKinnon made an impressive cross-ice pass to Lehkonen, who netted his second goal, putting the Avalanche ahead 2-0. The team maintained control, firing 17 shots on goal during this period.
Third Period:
Despite their lead, the Avalanche nearly lost it when San Jose responded with goals from Timothy Liljegren and Filip Kurashev, tying the game 2-2 early in the third. Liljegren capitalized on a one-timer to beat Blackwood, and Kurashev slipped a knuckle puck past him in the chaos in front of the net. The game grew tense but was decided when Josh Manson scored a crucial go-ahead goal by beating Askarov with a clean shot. Brock Nelson sealed the win with an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 4-2.
In Summary:
It was a positive note for the Avalanche to finish their pre-Olympic schedule with a win. These games had hinted that the team was simply looking to get through the stretch until the break, but ending on a victory offers a boost. The downtime will give injured players a chance to recover, and several team members will represent their countries in Milan. Hopefully, fans will enjoy some exciting Olympic hockey while the Avalanche rest up ahead of the second half of the NHL season.
Upcoming:
With the Olympic break underway, Colorado College’s next game is set for Wednesday, February 25th, at 7:00 pm Montana time, when they’ll face the Utah Mammoths at home.
Fan Take:
Hockey fans should be excited about the Olympic break since it provides a well-deserved rest for NHL players and an opportunity for emerging talents to shine on the international stage. This period could lead to a fresh, energized comeback for teams and a broader global audience with top-tier Olympic hockey.
