Rookie Duchene Scores Twice, Avs Win 3-0

Last night felt like we went back in time about a month or so ago. This team was aggressive, smart, and when they weren’t, the goalie stood on his head. Yup, these are the Colorado Avalanche who started the season 10-1-2. Rookie phenom Matt Duchene scored two goals, Wojtek Wolski added an empty-netter, and Anderson made 33 saves in a dominant 3-0 rout of a young Tampa Bay Lightning squad (BoltsByTheBay.com).

Duchene has really found his game in the NHL recently. He now has seven points in his last seven games, and 3 goals in his last two. As he has been for most of the season, he was very impressive in the defensive zone as well. Ryan O’Reilly has quieted down a bit on the scoresheet, but he’s still playing solid hockey as well.

Chris Stewart and Duchene seem to be developing some chemistry as well. Steward was the primary assist on both of Duchene’s goals. It would be great if our two most recent 1st round picks on the roster could complement each other so well consistently.

Interesting stat of the day:

Craig Anderson recorded his 3rd shutout of the season. 28 games into the season, Anderson now has as many shutouts as both Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft had combined last season.

Also, Wojtek Wolski has 23 points so far this year. If he keeps up this pace for the remainder of the season, his point total by the end will be approximately 67 points – by far the highest point total of his career.