The Colorado Avalanche paid a visit to Alberta on Saturday to take on the Edmonton Oilers. It was as entertaining of a game as you’ll find this season.
When you think of these two teams, you think of star power. Guys like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Leon Draisaitl, and Gabriel Landeskog amongst others make these teams must-see TV.
Of course, McDavid and MacKinnon are the center of attention with all of the Hart Trophy hype that they get. They are the two best players in the NHL. Makar, on the other hand, is the league’s best defenseman and is as impactful on the ice as anyone.
For most of the game, however, it was the depth carrying the load when it came to goals being scored. After no scoring in the first period, Sean Walker scored a goal to get the Avalanche up 1-0 halfway through the second.
Both the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers put up a great fight
The Avalanche carried that lead into the third and final frame. Warren Foegel and Sam Carrick of the Oilers gave them a 2-1 lead in the third. It felt like Connor McDavid would find a way to help them maintain that lead.
Instead, the Avs made a great play and Sean Walker was able to take advantage for his second goal of the game. At 2-2, the game felt destined for overtime despite all of the scoring chances. With a matchup like this, it was only appropriate.
This game seemed headed for a shootout before Colorado made a game-winning play. With less than 10 seconds left, Cale Makar sprung Nathan MacKinnon on the rush. He made a nifty play and found Arturri Lehkonen with under a second left in the overtime period. Somehow, they beat the clock.
It was at this moment that the stars made a difference. They were great all game but a play was finally made to put one into the net. A 3-2 win for Colorado was the final result.
Both goaltenders played very well in this one. Stuart Skinner was the second star of the game as he made 40 saves on 43 shots in the loss. Alexander Georgiev was the third star as he made 32 saves on 34 shots. For all the firepower playing in this game, they did well.
The big takeaway from this game is that the world needs to see these two teams play a best-of-seven series in the spring. It would be especially fun if the Western Conference crown were on the line. Peak entertainment would come from this playoff matchup.
On Tuesday night, both teams are back in action as they push for the playoffs. The Oilers will be hosting the Montreal Canadiens while the Avalanche will be visiting the St. Louis Blues.