Goals Under Review - April 1st
Dallas Stars @ Colorado Avalanche
If the Avalanche want to win the division, this is a must-win game against a team on the second of a back-to-back.
Goal Colorado by MacKinnon: Just what the Avs ordered. They were pressing early. They controlled the pace of play and when Dallas was in the Colorado zone, they were given time for one or two shots then the Avs had the puck on the move. Traditionally, the Stars find a way to score the first goal when the Avs dominate possession. Not today. The goal itself was a nice pass to the open area of the ice where MacKinnon was moving toward to goal. Once the pass was through legs and sticks, the shot was easy for someone like MacKinnon. Can the Avs push for a two-goal lead and put pressure on the Stars to open up their defensive structure? Avalanche 1-0
Goal Colorado by O’Connor: The second period started with the Stars on the Power Play. The Avs killed it off and got a penalty of their own. Honestly, one of the worst Power Plays I’ve seen the Avs play this year. The teams get back to even strength then out of nowhere Cogliano gets a pass to O’Connor and he shoots, under duress, and gets the puck through the five-hole. Nothing special in the play, just the right shot at the right time. This is huge. Dallas has to open up the defensive structure. i Expect this game to get chippy and I expect to see another goal before the period is over. Currently, there are 12 minutes left. Avalanche 2-0
Game Note: The intensity in this game is clear that the teams know what is on the line. Whoever wins this game is going to bank an important win for the last 5+ games of the season.
Goal Dallas by Seguin PPG: Frustrating. The penalty was “playing with a broken stick” so I can’t say “stay out of the box”. This goal is all about the response and the Avalanche being able to take back the momentum. There are 7 minutes left in the period which is plenty of time to score another goal, who scores it? Avalanche 2-1
Goal Colorado by MacKinnon PPG: Answer: The Avs scored it. Huge goal. Scored with 13 seconds left in the period off the faceoff. A lovely snapshot. MacKinnon is very good at hockey. More importantly, the goal puts the lead at two goals going into the third period. Dallas is the most dangerous team down by one goal during the empty net phase of the game. This goal means a lot for the game and the playoff positioning of the Avs. Avalanche 3-1
Game Note: The Stars are on the second game of a back-to-back. I’ve complained enough about the Avs having to deal with that so I should mention here with 15 minutes left in the game that Dallas is climbing a tall mountain being down 2 on heavy legs.
Goal Dallas by Johnston: Such a Dallas goal to score at exactly the time they are most likely to score. All the Avs were down low and they had decent coverage. The puck goes off a skate and goes to a free Dallas player and the puck goes in the net. OMG, the goal was disallowed. Unreal. I’m not taking any question, it’s Dallas, I have no shame about this one. Avalanche 3-1
Game Note: We get 4 minutes of empty-net time, joy.
Goal Colorado by Nichushkin: ENG. All is well. Breath. Avalanche 4-1
Final notes before I leave this game. This is a big win not just for the standings but for the psyche of the Avalanche. They needed to beat a good team at home and this might be the team they face in the first round.
Goal Dallas by Pavelski PPG: GUESS I’M NOT DONE WITH THIS GAME! Of course, Pavelski scores, he hadn’t scored yet and that’s a certainty each game he plays against the Avs. Don’t take stupid penalties. Don’t give Dallas chances. I hate everything. Avalanche 4-2
Goal Colorado by Rantanen: ENG. Can we just put an end to this game? Avalanche 5-2 (Final)
I’m exhausted….
Minnesota Wild @ Vegas Golden Knights
Can the Wild place a stranglehold on the division lead against a team already qualified for the playoffs?
Goal Minnesota by Boldy: This was one of those weird Wild goals. The shot bounced off the goalie, hit Boldy who was fighting for position down low and went in the net. What is there to say about that? At least they didn’t score that way against the Avs? Wild 1-0
Goal Vegas by Hutton: That was a defensive breakdown. Vegas enters the zone in a 4-on-4 and Hutton finds a soft spot in the defense that happens to be right in front of the goal. Eichel makes the pass and Hutton scores the goal. Tied 1-1
Goal Vegas by Whitecloud: Minnesota gets a taste of its own medicine. Whitecloud gets the puck off the faceoff, throws it to the net, off the post, and in. Fleury never saw the puck. Tough one to give up but I’ll be honest, nice to see the Wild give up a goal like that when it feels like they score one of those against the Avs every game.
Goal Vegas by Howden: Vegas stops a shot and turns it into a rush going the other way. They take a shot that is saved. Minnesota gets set up on defense, but the Golden Knights are able to find the open spot in the middle of the slot. Howden finishes the shot to take the 2-goal lead. Similar to the Stars, when the Wild have to open up the ice to score some goals, there are soft spots created. Rush defense is difficult and the Wild were set up well, but Vegas made a good pass and made the shot. Golden Knights 3-1
Goal Vegas by Stephenson: ENG. Golden Knights 4-1 (Final)
