Avalanche bury Blues in Game 3; take 2-1 series advantage
On Saturday night, the Colorado Avalanche took a 2-1 series lead over the St. Louis Blues, winning Game 3, 5-2.
The Avalanche rebounded from a 4-1 loss in Game 2, taking control of Game 3 in the second period and never allowing the Blues back in the game.
The Blues struck first when Colton Parayko scored, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead 3:55 into the first period. The Avalanche responded at 10:57 off Logan O'Connor's equalizer, and the two teams headed to the first intermission tied 1-1.
The Avalanched took a 3-1 lead in the second period thanks to goals from Nazem Kadri and Artturi Lehkonen. However, the Blues would cut the lead to 3-2 with only 30 seconds left in the period off a rebound goal from Ryan O'Reilly.
The game remained 3-2 for most of the third until Gabriel Landeskog, and Lehkonen added empty-netters late to seal the victory.
Colorado goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 29 saves off 31 shots to earn the win in net.
Blues' starting goaltender Jordan Binnginton left the game after a collision with Kadri early in the first period.
Binnington is 4-3 in the postseason, allowing 16 goals, with a .930 SV%.
Ville Husso came in relief, making 19 saves off 23 shots, playing over 51 minutes.
The second-round series between the Avalanche and Blues continues with Game 4 on Monday in St. Louis at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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