x
Breaking News
More () »

Avalanche claim Game 1 over Blues in OT thriller

Defenseman Josh Manson scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift Colorado to victory in the second-round series opener.

DENVER — Talk about a change of pace.

After steamrolling past the Nashville Predators in the opening round of the NHL playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche were met with a tougher opponent Tuesday night. The St. Louis Blues took the ice at Ball Arena for Game 1 of their second-round series and made an early statement.

St. Louis scored first with a goal from Ryan O'Reilly and forced overtime with another from Jordan Kyrou late -- but Colorado responded to both strikes and pulled out a 3-2 victory in overtime to claim the series opener.

Defenseman Josh Manson scored the game-winning goal 8 minutes into overtime that sent the hometown crowd into a frenzy. It was the first playoff goal of his career.

"It was a lot of fun, a lot of excitement. It feels good to get that with your team," Manson said. "That's the best part about playoffs -- it's a team effort, and you get to win with your team."

Credit: AP
Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and Nazem Kadri (91) celebrate an overtime goal by Josh Manson (42) against St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Denver. The Avalanche won 3-2. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

After going into the first intermission down 1-0, the Avalanche responded with a dominant second period that was highlighted by goals from Valeri Nichushkin and Sam Girard.

Girard's goal had Colorado ahead until the Blues found an equalizer with just more than 3 minutes left in regulation to force overtime.

Colorado also overcame the frustration of pucks hitting the opposing goal and bouncing away on five separate occasions. The Avalanche finished out-shooting the Blues 54-25 by the end of the game.

"Reality is, sometimes you're going to play really well and you feel like you deserve to win and you don't. But tonight we were a real resilient group in there," captain Gabriel Landeskog said. "It's just a matter of time." 

Game 2 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (MT) at Ball Arena.

Credit: AP
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) is congratulated by Samuel Girard (49), Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Gabriel Landeskog (92) after scoring in overtime against the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Denver. The Avalanche won 3-2. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

RELATED: Second thoughts: Speedy Avs get rematch with rugged Blues

RELATED: Playoff schedule for Avalanche vs. Blues second-round series released

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports

> Top stories are curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Denver Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the KUSA 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for KUSA "9news" to find the free app to add it to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out