In the first game between 2011 draft picks Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Gabriel Landeskog, Landeskog won individually but it was Nugent-Hopkins' team that came out on top.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk made 40 saves, a good portion of them from great scoring areas to stymie the Avalanche in a 3-1 victory.
Landeskog played great with six shots, two hits and some big play around the net leading the Avs' only goal. He and linemates Ryan O'Reilly and Daniel Winnik not only shut down Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall but they were also the best line. If it weren't for Dubnyk the Avs could have won this game on their shoulders.
Dubnyk, the 6'5 bohemiath, was tremoundous. He used perfect positioning and his gargantuan frame to make save after save while the Avs were crashing the net. Almost every Av was around the net but Dubnyk held tight all game.
By almost every Av, there comes the obligatory statement "except Kobasew." Kobasew is the new Matt Hunwick. He has zero hands and worse, he floats around the outside of the offensive zone hoping for the puck to come to him while his teammates are fighting trying to get the puck on their stick.
Kobasew has also been floating around the defensive zone (see Cam Barker goal). Kobasew is not fast, we all knew that but now he is just not engaging in the zone. His hands are gone and his instincts have dried up. He was one of three Avs not to register a shot this game with Cody McLeod and Shane O'Brien the others. Something has to be done about Kobasew and fast.
On the other end of the spectrum there is Kyle Quincey who played simply outstanding in this game. He registered four hits, was a big player on the penalty kill, had an assist and put 10 shots in total toward the net. Quincey is jumping into the play, playing great two-way hockey and is currently the best defenseman on the roster.
That is not to say Erik Johnson and Jan Hejda are playing terrible, just that Quincey has raised his game another level. In ten games this season, Quincey already has six points. He had one all of last year. He is good offensively and responsible defensively.
Overall, the Avs deserved a better fate (I'm sure others will say otherwise) but the goaltending of Dubnyk and their lack of finish around the net kept them from gaining any kind of momentum.
Three Stars
1. Devan Dubnyk- 40 save night. Fairly pedestrian
2. Ryan Smyth- former Av had three assists
3. Kyle Quincey- For all the reasons stated above
Facepalm of the Game
Goes to Kevin Porter for running into Jan Hejda and turning over the puck that led to the Oilers' third goal just minutes after the Avs cut the lead to 2-1.
Bang bang play of the Game
Goes to Cam Barker for his smooth backhand for the first goal of the game. Keeps that up, Maroon Five will have to record a "Moves like Barker" song.
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