The Colorado Avalanche is a victory from the Stanley Cup final. It’s clear since the team defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 away in Rogers Place, Edmonton, in match 3 of the Western Conference final.
–
Avalanche thus goes up in a 3-0 lead in matches in the series.
Valery Nichushkin accounted for two goals with the guests, while J.T. Compher was noted for the match-winning goal with just over seven minutes left to play of the third period.
Avalanche center Nazem Kadri went out injured already 1:06 into the first period. This after being tackled close to the edge by the Oilers forward Evander Kane. Kane was given a five-minute suspension for boarding in connection with the tackle.
Kadri did not return to the match and Compher moved up as center in the second chain for Avalanche.
Oilers superstar Connor McDavid gave the home team the lead with 1-0 already 38 seconds into the first period, on the team’s first shot against Pavel Francouz for the match. Zach Hyman worked the puck along the rim, whereupon McDavid flicked away a quick shot that slipped in behind Francouz.
Nichushkin’s equalizer with 3:48 left to play in the first period was a bit lucky, but not entirely unfair. The forward sent a puck towards goal from the corner, after which it bounced on the Oilers back Darnell Nurse club and in past Mike Smith.
Nichushkin also had the rebounds with him in his 2-1 goal 4:37 into the second period. Avalanche back Devon Toews fired a shot from the blue line that took on Connor McDavid and bounced out between the technical circles, whereupon Nichushkin rushed forward and sent in 2-1.
Ryan McLeod equalized for the Oilers 7:34 into the third period, but with 12:42 on the clock, Compher stepped forward and became the match hero. After being booked for a two-minute suspension for tripping, Compher was at first becoming a scapegoat, but when the Oilers back Evan Bouchard dotted the post just as the expulsion ended, Compher plunged out of the booth. Bouchard caught up with him, but Compher managed to get past the hill and sneak in a shot between Smith’s leg guards.
Mikko Rantanen set the final score at 4-2 in an empty cage with 30 seconds left to play.
Match 4 between the teams is played the night before Tuesday, Swedish time, starting at 02.00 (Viaplay). Then Avalanche has the opportunity to become the first team to advance to the 2022 Stanley Cup final.
–
