Getty Images The Colorado Avalanche skated to a 4-0 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, thanks to a pair of goals from 22-year-old centre Matt Duchene.
But it was his second of the night that got folks on Twitter talking.
Gathering speed through the neutral zone, Duchene made a nifty move to the outside on Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin, then slipped the puck between the legs of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
That play by @Matt9Duchene was a league promotional video. It should be replayed over and over. 4-0 avalanche. Wow skill, speed, and finish.—
Daren Millard (@darenmillard) January 25, 2013
Great goal by Matt Duchene there. The kid is having a fantastic start to the year. 2 goals and an assist tonight.—
Cody Nickolet (@WHLFromAbove) January 25, 2013
The absence of restricted free agent Ryan O’Reilly, who is still in contract negotiations with the Avalanche despite terminating his contract with the KHL’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk, has put pressure to score squarely on the shoulders of Duchene and teammate Paul Stastny, wrote Terry Frei of the Denver Post.
On Thursday, Duchene not only scored twice, he added an assist.
-
Getty Images
It might be tough to gauge the right price for him.
-
Getty Images
That phrase is more fun than “turning the other cheek.”
-
Getty Images
Just ask Bryan Bickell.
-
Getty Images
Did Chicago just flip the switch?
-
Getty Images
He’s clearly embracing the role of underdog.
-
Report: Canucks ask Leafs permission to interview Eakins for head coaching gig
May 25, 2013, 10:29 PM EDT
He’s been the head coach of AHL Toronto since 2009.
-
Getty Images
Detroit’s goalie made some especially challenging ones.
-
Getty Images
Finally.
-
Getty Images
At least he’s still rich and handsome.
-
Getty Images
He also thinks the Rangers faced an identity crisis.
-
Getty Images
No other defenseman has four goals in first five playoff games.
-
Getty Images
Jarome Iginla’s name might come up.
-
Getty Images
Torey Krug might eat for free in Boston.
-
Getty Images
He took a puck and maybe a stick to the kisser.
-
Getty Images
Impressive flash of the glove by Hank.
-
Getty Images
New York Rangers forward was stirring the pot for a while.
-
Getty Images
Looks like Dougie Hamilton is the odd man out.
-
Getty Images
He’s been out with a broken hand.
-
Getty Images
He avoided a fight in Game 4.
-
Getty Images
Desperation calls for tinkering.
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Blackhawks stay alive
-
Play
Video: Bickell blasts Kronwall
-
Play
Video: Toews scores first goal of the playoffs
-
Play
Video: Howard with a couple of tremendous saves in Game 5
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Bruins move onto Eastern Conference finals
-
Play
Video: Lundqvist takes one away from Lucic
