BOSTON — After the first 20 minutes Monday at TD Garden, the Avalanche and Boston Bruins had combined for 13 consecutive goalless periods, covering more than 279 minutes. The Bruins hadn’t scored in six periods, and the Avs hadn’t scored at all, getting shut out in their first two games of the season.
For two teams that were among the NHL’s top scoring squads and advanced to the playoffs last season, high-pressure situations came early. And for the Avalanche, sudden and sensational relief came in the form of a wicked wrist shot by Jamie McGinn during the second period and Daniel Briere’s buzzer-beating heroics at the very end, scoring with 0.5 of a second left in regulation for a 2-1 victory.
A potential Colorado goal in the third period was disallowed because video replay was inconclusive. Officials ruled that Ryan O’Reilly high-sticked the puck before it caromed off linemate Dennis Everberg and past Bruins goaltender Niklas Svedberg. That goal wasn’t required for the Avs to unload a locker room worth of frustration.
“It was a big win for us,” coach Patrick Roy said after the Avalanche beat the Bruins. “Like we said (Saturday) after the game against Minnesota at home, if we play the same way, we knew that we’d win a game sooner or later. We had good jump, played a hard-fought game.”
Colorado ranked fourth in the NHL in scoring last season, averaging 2.99 goals per game. Boston ranked third at 3.15, trailing only Anaheim (3.21) and Chicago (3.18). Make no mistake, the Bruins and Avalanche have been taking a beating in the pride department thus far.
“It’s certainly a good feeling to find a loose puck like that late in the game and get a big win, especially after the start that we had,” Briere said after denying Boston a point and giving the Avs two. “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster to start the season, but we’re hoping this game will get us on our way.”
The Avs have improved each game since opening night, after losing 5-0 and being outshot 48-16 at Minnesota on Thursday. The Wild beat Colorado 3-0 (empty-net goal) in Denver on Saturday, but the shots were almost even (34-30 Wild).
Against the big, bad Bruins, the Avalanche held a shooting edge of 30-28.
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“The work ethic was back. When you play that way, it’s just a matter of time before you get rewarded,” Briere said. “It’s a big relief just to get a win under our belt. The pressure builds, obviously, when you don’t win and don’t score goals.”
Added pressure might have been felt by Colorado players Monday in Boston, because backup goalie Reto Berra was given his first start of the season. Berra struggled last season with the Avalanche after being acquired at the trade deadline for a second-round draft pick.
But Berra was outstanding against the Bruins, who scored their only goal on a power play.
“He had a great training camp and has continued to play well,” Roy said of Berra. “It was nice to see him make some good saves for us in the first period (when) they had five or six good scoring chances, and he made those saves.
“He gave us time to take the lead. … I thought our guys were focused, skating well and competing well. It was a real nice win for us.”
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or
