The Colorado Avalanche rolled into Minnesota to play the Wild after two disappointing losses, to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins, looking to get back on track in the playoff race.

The Avalanche got the fast start that they needed, putting great pressure on the Minnesota Wild defense and young goalie Matt Hackett early on. Colorado would be rewarded shortly thereafter with Jamie McGinn getting his first goal as a member of the Avalanche.

McGinn would later add his second goal of the game on the power play as he took advantage of a big rebound off a Peter Mueller shot. He put it right past Hackett’s blocker, who was completely helpless on the play.

The second period saw the Avalanche sitting back far too much early, allowing the Wild to dictate the play. Luckily for them, Semyon Varlamov continued to bring his A-game, keeping the Wild out of the net and off of the scoreboard.

The third period was far more even as both teams had some pretty decent chances, but Varlamov was the difference in the game, making big save after big save. His best of the game, and probably of the season, came against Dany Heatley with a lightning fast right pad as he slid out of the crease.

Varlamov finished the game with his fourth shut out of the season and did his part to help keep the Avalanche in the hunt for that fiercely competitive eighth playoff seed. Colorado takes on the Wild again, in Denver, tomorrow night.

What do you think?

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