It was not the storyline that was written by either team at the beginning fo the yare but the Avs triumphed over the Washington Capitals 2-1 for their fifth-straight win.
Caps fans had this pegged for a 6-1 win that would enhance the draft pick from the Avs while Avs fans figured it would be Semyon Varlamov showing his old team why he was worth such a high price and proving they didn't need Tomas Vokoun.
What they got instead was a low-scoring, exciting match featuring Michal Neuvirth and Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
Things got off to an odd start as a Cody McLeod dump-in attempt deflected and went past Neuwirth. Neither McLeod, Neuwirth nor the 16,011 people in attendance at Pepsi Center knew what happened.
McLeod then threw down with old team mate and friend Matt Hendricks, giving the Avs a burst of energy. The Avs rode that energy to keep the Capitals on their feet and to neutralize Alex Oveckhin's line.
Even though the pairing of Ryan O'Byrne and Jan Hejda have been often maligned this season, most notably for their play last game, they were solid in this game. Coach Joe Sacco decided they were the pairing he wanted on Ovechkin. At the stat line of Ovechkin and Backstrom read: no goals, no assists, nine shots (seven from Ovechkin)
The play of O'Byrne and Hejda, supported from the forwards every shift, freed Erik Johnson and Shane O'Brien to think more offensively. Johnson had an assist and scored that long-awaited goal which was the game winner to boot. Johnson also was much more effective jumping into the play and creating chances.
In short, it was everything the Avs wanted when they traded for the 6'4 230 pound blueliner. Johnson was magnanimous on offense and solid on defense, as he has been every game since coming back from the groin injury.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere was solid yet again, only surrendering one goal on 26 shots, few of them dangerous and even fewer on rebounds.
Everyone on the Avs played a full 60 minute game and enforced their will on the Capitals from the puck drop. No one took shifts off, no one lollygagged on the backcheck. Everyone was dedicated to winning the game, whatever the cost.
Three Stars
1. Erik Johnson- goal and an assist for the Avs
2. Jean-Sebastien Giguere- 25 save effort
3. Michal Neuwirth- outside of one goal he should have had, played well
Facepalm of the Game
There weren't a lot of plays or instances that were facepalm-worthy in this game but Neuwirth failing to get McLeod's shot has to win it, though it is the weakest facepalm of the year.
Bang bang play of the game
Erik Johnson wins for his first goal of the year. A slap shot through a bunch of players found its way through to give the Avs what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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