To shut down Minnesota's man-advantage was huge. Then to top it off, the Avs scored a power-play goal in the second period to go up 2-0. It was certainly a reversal of fortune from the regular season.
The downside is the number of penalties Colorado took.
Scott Hannan took multiple penalties, and at least one very undisciplined infraction that led to the eventual tying goal. They will have to play more disciplined if they expect to win, because the Wild's power-play unit can score, and they won't be held quite every night.
Now both teams must refocus, adjust their game plans if necessary, and come out in game two with a determination.
Expect game two to be equally, if not more, physical and hard-hitting. If the Avalanche can steal another game in St. Paul, it could be deemed grand larceny.
If the Wild lose another game at home, they are looking at climbing back up a very steep hill in high altitude to win the series. Or they can come into Denver's thin air tied at 1-1, and begin a 5 game series where Colorado has home-ice advantage.
Expect to see these sorts of heroics all series long. Both teams know what it takes to win, and Friday's game is an entirely new battle. But because of Sakic, the Avalanche now have the edge. And don't expect that to be the last we see of him.
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