Avs charmed by Devils in 3-2 loss

GAME RUNDOWN

The Colorado Avalanche continued their trek through the northeast after a weekend in New York City as they headed up the road to take on the New Jersey Devils. The Devils jumped into the game with both feet as they took advantage of some early nerves from goaltender Jeremy Smith, who was making his NHL debut, as they poured multiple shots on him. Pavel Zacha found the back of the net on a rebound in front of Smith just over two minutes in to make it 1-0.

The first period came to a close with the Devils still leading by one. The second period began with a different tone as the Avalanche found their legs a bit and began putting pressure on New Jersey’s defense. Colorado took advantage of their power play with a beautiful passing play finished off by Mark Barberio, who scored his first goal in an Avalanche uniform to tie the game at 1-1.

The Devils were quick to respond with a power play goal of their when Andy Greene fired one from the blue line that beat Smith. The goal was originally called off due to goaltender interference but after a New Jersey challenge the goal was deemed to be good and the Devils took a 2-1 lead halfway through the period.

New Jersey wasn’t quite finished with their onslaught as a broken play in the offensive zone led to a two-on-one rush with Taylor Hall finding Kyle Palmieri for a tic-tac-toe play that beat a helpless Smith to put them up 3-1 late in the second period.

Even later in the second, Colorado fired back at even strength when their second line awoke from a slumber and Matt Duchene worked the puck to Mikhail Grigorenko, who one-timed the puck into the net to make it 3-2 heading into the game’s final frame.

The third period was mostly a neutral zone battle for control until the Avalanche pulled Smith for the extra attacker in the waning moments but Colorado’s constant pressure was not enough on this night and the final score came to 3-2.

THREE STARS

1. Kyle Palmieri
2. Andy Greene
3. Pavel Zacha

PLAY OF THE GAME

Grigorenko’s goal was an exhibition of pure skill as Duchene did an excellent job finding him but the goal was outstanding as Grigorenko adjusted to the puck in his feet to one-time it in.

TURNING POINT

The Palmieri goal provided New Jersey the two-goal deficit the Avalanche have consistently failed to comeback from at all this season.

BY THE NUMBERS

WHAT’S NEXT

Colorado continues their five-game road trip in Buffalo when they take on the Sabres Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.