The Colorado Avalanche are one win away from a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals, which would be their first since 2001.
The Denver franchise went on to win 4-2 Saturday on Edmonton ice to lead 3-0 in the series.
Led to the mark after only 38” of play following a success by Oilers star Connor McDavid, the Avalanche forced the decision in the middle of the third period. JT Compher scored the winning goal, 3-2, in the 53rd minute, 10 seconds after his team had finished ‘killing’ a penalty he had received.
Author of a double, Russian forward Valeri Nichushkin also distinguished himself in the Avalanche camp. Goalkeeper Pavel Francouz, who replaced incumbent Darcy Kuemper (injured) during Act I of this Western Conference final, made 27 saves.
Colorado can therefore finally begin to dream of a third participation in the Stanley Cup final since the franchise left Quebec. The Avalanche won the first two, in 1996 against the Panthers and then in 2001 with David Aebischer as backup goaltender against the Devils.
/ATS