Anderson Provides MVP Performance in Victory

The Colorado Avalanche needed a win. At this late stage of the season, every point counts. The problem was, the Dallas Stars needed those points even more. They came out more desperate, more determined and more passionate than the young Avalanche team.

They outshot us, out-hit us, and out-chanced us. There was only one thing that kept Dallas from running away with this victory, once thing from putting them back into the playoff picture, and us out of division title contention. That thing was Craig Anderson, a veritable brick wall that has taken residence in the Colorado crease and made it his home.

I really like what he’s done with the place.

Anderson faced a barrage of shots from the Stars all game, but the final moments of the game had every Dallas fan in the American Airlines Center biting their nails and every Avalanche fan watching at home on the edge of their seats. With every shot, every rebound and redirection, In his now signature flailing, snow angel style, Anderson stopped every shot, every rebound, every redirection in the last minute, while the Dallas Stars had a two man advantage.

While it seems as if Anderson completely carried this team on his back Saturday, he received a lot of help from teammates on the offensive side. Though they were outshot 51-22, a staggering margin of 29 shots, the Avs did make sure their shots counted. Led by Paul Stastny’s two goals, the Avs found the back of the net five times. It seems Colorado still has Marty Turco’s number, because he was yanked after he allowed four goals on eighteen shots.

Christ Stewart continued his hot streak by scoring one, Milan Hejduk also continued his strong play since his injury by scoring a goal and adding a helper, and Darcy Tucker surprised everyone by scoring on a beautiful snap shot and adding an assist.

Peter Mueller now has seven points in five games and nine points in seven games as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. He has brought our powerplay to a whole different level, and it’s become an especially dangerous part of our game recently.

Next up is St. Louis, as we continue our quest to the playoffs and a chance at our first Northwest Division title in years.

NOTE: With Stastny’s two goals in this game, he’s now scored his 250th and 251st points in 261 games. Stastny has 66 points in 68 games so far this season, and ranks 9th in the league with 50 assists, which also ties his career high.