Avalanche defenseman made consecutive shots on New Jersey goalie Corey Schneider late in the third period Thursday and his second shot touched the twine as the NHL cellar-dweller won 3-2 to extend its winning streak to two games.
Beauchemin’s third goal of the season came with just 1:14 remaining in the third period, and Colorado improved to 2-1 on a four-game homestand that concludes Saturday. and also scored for the Avs, who never trailed.
“I’m not sure how it started but the puck took a funny bounce off the boards, I took the first shot and the rebound came right back at me,” Beauchemin said. “I took a quick, quick wrister and it found a way to get through with a couple guys in front for a screen.”
The Avs had a terrific first period, outshooting New Jersey 10-3, but played on their heels in the second, getting outshot 13-2. Still MacKinnon’s goal — a long wrist shot from against the side wall — was the only one on the board heading into the third.
Things changed quickly, with three goals in first seven minutes of the final frame. First, Taylor Hall tied it up in the first minute, burying a rebound off a shot from defenseman Ben Lovejoy. Colorado answered soon thereafter, when a shot by Bourque caromed off a defenseman and behind Schneider. Avalanche newcomer Sven Andrighetto, in his third game with the team, assisted on Bourque’s goal, running his points streak to two games.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto, front, of Switzerland, passes the puck as New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, front, left, is congratulated after scoring a goal as he passes the team box with defenseman Tyson Barrie in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene, center, looks to pass the puck as he cuts between New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore, front, and right wing Devante Smith-Pelly in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider, front, deflects a shot off the stick of Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood, right, reacts as the puck pops out of the glove of Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson, front, checks Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog, of Sweden, into the boards to take control of the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood, front right, redirects the puck to Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard, left, as defenseman Francois Beauchemin covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils left wing Taylor Hall, front, tries to wrap around the net to shoot as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Fedor Tyutin, of Russia, holds on in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore, left, drives downice with the puck as Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto, of Switzerland, pursues in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
David Zalubowski, The Associated Press
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Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto, front, of Switzerland, passes the puck as New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Denver.
“It’s not about the points. It’s the way you play,” Andrighetto said. “The guys have made it real easy for me, made me feel comfortable right way.”
The Devils forged their second tie of the game when Stefan Noesen took a pass from former University of Denver standout Beau Bennett and beat goalie at 6:13.
The NHL’s traveling Centennial celebration stops at the on Friday and Saturday, with daylong events to commemorate the league’s 100th anniversary. The Avs host the on Saturday at 5 p.m.
