[NHL] Colorado Avalanche Stage Epic Comeback to Secure Overtime Victory against Edmonton Oilers

jared 12.jpg — Colorado Avalanche - Jared Bednar

(Denver = Wongeol Jeong) The Colorado Avalanche achieved their largest comeback win of the season against the Edmonton Oilers on February 19, 2023, coming back from a three-goal deficit to win 6-5 in overtime. The team also overcame a two-goal deficit in their first game of the season against Edmonton on January 7, 2023, ultimately winning 3-2 in overtime. The Avalanche are now 10-5 in games decided beyond regulation, including a 6-2 record in overtime.

In the game against Edmonton, Colorado's seven shots in overtime were the team's most in a regular-season overtime contest since March 23, 2021, against the Arizona Coyotes. The Avalanche also closed out the second of what is a stretch of three consecutive back-to-back sets, owning a 5-2-0 record in the second game when playing on consecutive nights.

The Avalanche have played five of nine afternoon games this season, and they are unbeaten in day contests with a 5-0-0 record. They also boast an 18-3-1 (.841) record in matinee games since the 2019-20 season, which is the highest points percentage of any team during that period.

Individual players on the team also had noteworthy performances. Mikko Rantanen scored his 36th goal of the season, matching his career high from the 2021-22 season. Rantanen's tally was his third overtime marker of the season, tying Carolina's Martin Necas for the most among all players. He also matched the Avalanche/Nordiques record for most overtime goals in a season, a mark also achieved by Cale Makar (3 in 2021-22), Nathan MacKinnon (3 in 2017-18), Tyson Barrie (3 in 2013-14), and David Jones (3 in 2011-12). Overall, it was Rantanen's sixth game-winning tally of the campaign, the most on the team and one shy of his career best (7) set during the 2020-21 season.

Nathan MacKinnon recorded three points (2g/1a) for this seventh performance of the season with 3+ points. It's MacKinnon's fifth straight multi-point performance, tied for his longest such stretch of the season. The center has collected 13 points (6g/7a) in seven games since the Avalanche returned from the Bye Week/All-Star Break. Despite missing 11 games due to injury, MacKinnon has taken over the team scoring lead with 67 points, and his 1.52 points-per-game average ranks second in the league only to Connor McDavid (1.79).

J.T. Compher recorded four points (1g/3a) to equal his career high (also: Dec. 1, 2022, at Buffalo). Alexandar Georgiev earned his 23rd win of the season, tied for sixth in the league.

After the game, players spoke about the team's resiliency, with Rantanen attributing the Avalanche's mental strength and ability to stick with it even when the team falls behind as the keys to their success. Similarly, J.T. Compher highlighted the team's belief and ability to fight until the end.

In conclusion, the Avalanche's ability to come back from a significant deficit, perform well in afternoon games, and showcase the individual talents of players like Rantanen, MacKinnon, and Compher have helped the team maintain a strong record this season. With 13 back-to-back contests overall this season, the Avalanche will need to continue to draw on their resiliency and mental strength to maintain their success.

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