When Adam Foote left the Avalanche and players such as Brett Clark dotted the roster in his place, some foresaw doom and gloom. But there might not be a better defenseman on the Avs’ roster now than the unheralded Clark, whose goal Thursday night stood up for a 1-0 Colorado victory over Foote’s Columbus Blue Jackets.
Clark’s second-period goal was enough for Avs goalie David Aebischer, who was not tested as often as his Columbus counterpart, Pascal Leclaire, but still had to make some tough saves for the shutout.
The victory moved the Avs into sole possession of second place in the jumbled Northwest Division, one point behind leader Calgary. The Avs have won five of their past six games.
“I think at the start of the (calendar) year, we had a little powwow, and I think we spent about five games doing little things extremely well, and we instilled some good habits that we’ve followed through on,” said Avs winger Andrew Brunette, who set up Clark’s goal with a nice pass from the corner at 15 minutes, 51 seconds of the second period. “There’s been times where we haven’t been as good, but I think overall we’ve stayed the course on doing the things that make you successful.”
Clark’s career seemed destined to rise no higher than the minor-pro level after a few seasons stuck mostly with Hershey of the American Hockey League. But it’s as if pixie dust were sprinkled on him before this season; Clark plays like a poised, veteran NHL blue-liner, making smart, patient decisions with the puck and picking the right times to jump into the offensive fray.
Such was the case on his goal, his seventh of the season. With Columbus star Rick Nash in the penalty box, Brunette had the puck deep in the right corner when he spotted Clark breaking down the weak side. One pass and a one-timer later, the puck was past Leclaire for the only goal of the night. Leclaire was sensational otherwise, making 39 saves.
“They just kept battling, and you knew a power-play goal might make the difference tonight the way the goalies were playing,” Clark said. “(Brunette) put the puck right on my stick, and I was lucky it snuck through.”
Foote, playing his first game in Denver since leaving the Avs as a free agent, was given a video tribute early in the first period. As highlights played from his 13 seasons with the franchise, Foote acknowledged a partial standing ovation with a wave of his stick.
The Avs had a couple of great chances to increase the lead in the third period. But Joe Sakic and Brunette were thwarted on the doorstep by Leclaire.
Columbus had a 5-on-3 power-play advantage for 22 seconds late in the game, but the Avs did a nice job of killing it off. Aebischer had a tougher time on the second half of the power play, as Columbus had a close call after a slap shot from the point. But Aebischer held his ground, and got his second shutout of the season against Columbus with 24 saves.
“It was a tough game, but we got the win, and that’s the good thing,” Aebischer said. “We have a tough road trip now, and so getting these two wins this week at home gives us a lift before we do it.”
Staff writer Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
