Wedgewood Shines in Avalanche Victory with Critical PK Saves

The Colorado Avalanche showcased an impressive performance at Ball Arena, securing a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Central to the win was the team’s effective penalty kill, led by goaltender Scott Wedgewood.

Scott Wedgewood’s Stellar Performance

Wedgewood stood out as the hero of the night, making critical saves during key moments. The Avalanche faced a penalty kill at 16:40 in the third period when Martin Necas received a penalty. Despite this challenge, Wedgewood recorded nine of his 28 saves while shorthanded, proving instrumental in maintaining the Avalanche’s lead.

“Wedge did his best work on the penalty kill,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar noted. He highlighted Wedgewood’s contributions as a significant factor in the team’s success.

Key Saves

• Wedgewood made a crucial save against Kyle Palmieri in front of the net with 2:44 left in regulation.
• He then denied a cross-ice pass from Matt Barzal to Bo Horvat, showcasing his quick reflexes.

Wedgewood expressed confidence in his technique, saying he sealed off the shooting angles effectively during those pivotal moments. He earned his 11th win of the season, reinforcing his position as the NHL leader in victories.

Game Highlights

The Avalanche experienced a rocky start, with Emil Heineman scoring for the Islanders early in the game at 2:05 of the first period. However, the second period marked a turning point for Colorado.

• Cale Makar assisted Ross Colton, who tied the game at 1-1.
• Victor Olofsson scored the eventual game-winning goal, redirecting a shot from Sam Malinski.

Colorado dominated the following plays, showing a stark contrast to their earlier lack of energy. The team demonstrated their resilience by quickly reversing their fortunes and controlling the game thereafter.

Impactful Performances

Captain Gabriel Landeskog showcased his leadership, playing a critical role in Olofsson’s goal. His ability to cycle the puck effectively kept the play alive in the offensive zone.

Critical Statistics

Conclusion

The Avalanche continue to demonstrate why they are one of the top teams in the NHL, boasting an .816 points percentage. With key players stepping up and consistent efforts from their penalty kill unit, Colorado remains a formidable force as the season progresses.