The Colorado Avalanche claimed a flashy 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, highlighted by strong special teams play and depth scoring.
After a rough start in a sloppy first period, the Avalanche fought back on home ice to defeat Tampa Bay. Some of Colorado’s star players struggled, allowing role players to step up against the Lightning’s top talent, including goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Both teams entered the game with similar special teams rankings. Victor Olofsson energized Colorado’s power play, which has been inconsistent this season. Meanwhile, the Avalanche penalty kill was perfect, going 3 for 3 tonight.
"A two-goal performance in the second period pushed the Avs over the edge."
"Victor Olofsson contributed not one but two crucial goals in this win over Tampa Bay, proving to be the finisher this team had been missing in the first 10-game stretch of the season."
Author's summary: The Avalanche overcame early struggles by leveraging depth scoring and flawless penalty killing to secure a vital 3-2 home win over the Lightning.