Jan 20, 2013 | Matt Rix | 708 views
Av's Battle Flyers - Start to Finish
Inside the Avalanche dressing room the pre game excitment had the team buzzing with anticipation. The Flyers have played us tough every single game but the Av's have coninued to show more hard work and determination with each meeting.
Avalanche players took to the ice after Colin got them revved up in the room with their team cheer. When the puck hit the ice all 16 players were ready to give it everything they could to
help the Av's defeat the Flyers.
First period action went back and forth and both teams had multiple chances. The Avalanche players used their hard skating and determination to draw the Flyers into multiple penalties. With a 5 on 3 man advantage for 40 seconds the Av's put the pressure on and contained the action in the Flyers zone but couldn't capitalize on numerous chances as the Flyers goalie stood on his head. Period ended 0-0.
The Second period saw much of the same action, and both teams killed off penalties successfully. Logan continued to make dramatic saves and the defence shut down the Flyer offence. The power play looked effective and Cole made perhaps the sweetest pass of the season to Ryan in the slot. Ryan's one timer off the feed was perfect and was somehow stopped again by the Flyer netminder. The "Green Line" of Aiden, Colin and Mark did their job and ground out shift after shift, shutting down the elusive #15. Hunter got the wheels turning and played his best game of the season, his coast to coast rush - resulted in a goal line save....but more amazing was his back check effort as he beat everyone back to his own blue line to stop the rush. Period ended 0-0
The Third period was action packed. Teddy continued to win face-offs whenever needed resulting in Nic and Kai both having third period chances. Nelson found himself planted in front of the Flyers net and was inches away from poking home a point shot from Luke. With less than 6 minutes to play the Flyers got the lucky break they needed and an errant pass got deflected past the Av's goaltender. Showing their new found determination the Av's continued to press and generate chances in the Flyer zone. The Av's battled until the final buzzer sounded giving up a late period goal and suffering and undeserved 2-0 loss.
Coaches messages were echoed by all the Av's fans....."you worked hard beginning to end, you never gave up and you deserved to win that game. Most importantly you showed us that you cared, you showed us this weekend that you can play as a TEAM and play against the top teams. Hold your heads up and be proud of the effort you put forward"
See you all at the rink!
Coach Drew