Peter Budaj continues to shine

 

Stephine Chavez (HV)

 

For the thrid straight game, Peter Budaj was in net for the Colorado Avalanche. The first goal of the game was a soft goal made by Edmonton Oiler Marc-Andre Poulio. This was Marc-Andre Poulio's first goal of the season but this would be the last goal for the Oilers in this game. Budaj knew he should have been able to stop that goal. "I knew I had done something that I'd never do,'' Budaj said. "Instead of making the safe play with my stick, I tried to make the play with my glove." This would be the only puck Budaj allowed in the net. Both teams failed to score on power plays during this matchup. Edmonton had five chances while Colorado had four chances to capitalize on the other team's mistakes but both came up short. Dwayne Roloson was the starting goaltender for the Oilers but was pulled a few minutes into the third period. He was replaced by Jussi Markkanen but it was too late, the Avs were already up 4-1 and would win the game with that score. Tyler Arnason had his 100th career assist and the Ironman of the NHL, Karlis Skrastins played in his 465th consecutive game. Also, Ryan Smyth of Edmonton missed his seventh straight game with a fractured right thumb.

 

 

Photo: Andrew Brunette and Ryan Smyth. © Stephine Chavez (HV)