The best games to watch are the skillful games where both teams put on an exhibition for a 5-4 overtime win. This game... wasn't in.
A combined 62 hits defined the physical game in which the Avs beat the Stars 2-1.
Paul Stastny tipped an Erik Johnson shot past goaltender Kari Lehtonen on the powerplay to put an Avs team that was on its heels on top of the Stars. Relied upon more than ever, Stastny came up big in this game. he made a brilliant Paul Stastny pass for the first goal and tipped the shot in for the second goal. Double the fact that he did this on a line with fourth liner Kevin Porter and Stastny had a fantastic game.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere, the best player in the Avs' 3-2 OT loss to Nashville, came up huge in this game stopping 21 shots, 13 of them in the third period where the Avs were pushed to the brink. Just as it has been all season, Giguere has been a foundation for the Avs.
When the Avs are struggling in a game or in season Giguere steps in to steady the ship.
The real story of this game was the physical play. Dallas brought every body they had at the Avs and the Avs responded. Ryan Wilson, Ryan O'Byrne, Gabriel Landeskog and Cody McLeod led the way with a combined 12 hits as the Avs never buckled under the imposing physical play of the Stars.
Wilson took a few games but he is back to form after two games back from a concussion. He was in the face of the Dallas players, laying big hits and moving the puck into the offensive zone.
Also returning from a concussion is Peter Mueller, who had another good game. It is one thing for the player to come back and play in a game and quite another to come back and make plays and Mueller is making plays.
In 13:59 time on ice, Mueller had two shots, one of them a sure goal on the doorstep that Kari Lehtonen made a fantastic save. One thing forgotten about Mueller, everyone knows about his shot, is the fact that he can pass through defenders and find guys who are open.
It will take time but assuming there are no setbacks, Mueller should be a factor once Matt Duchene is healthy and the pair are put back together.
Until then, it will be on the shoulders of Ryan Wilson and Jean-Sebastien Giguere that the Avs stay in the playoff hunt.
Three Stars
1. Paul Stastny- two key points
2. Jean-Sebastien Giguere- kept the avs in a one goal game.
3. Ryan O'byrne- best game of the season. Both positional and physical in this game
Facepalm of the Game
This goes to Michael Ryder for missing the first shot of a wide open net. Credit Galiardi knocking away the second shot but the first shot he should have had.
Bang bang play of the Game
This save by Giguere kept the game 1-0 for the Avs at the time and will be on the 10 ten Saves for the week.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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