Hockey fans will be treated to a matchup between Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon in the Western Conference Final. On Friday night, the Colorado Avalanche joined the Edmonton Oilers there in defeating the Blues in six games, thanks to a final 3-2 victory in St. Louis.
The outcome of Game 6 could not have been more dramatic, as Darren Helm silenced Enterprise Center with just six seconds remaining in regulation time. In a last attempt, the attacker took advantage of a zone entry from his side and a throw-in from Logan O’Connor to direct the puck towards the net. She finally made her way behind goalkeeper Ville Husso. The masked man of the Blues will not have much to reproach himself for, he who repelled 36 pucks in the loss.
Besides Helm, J.T. Compher also had a strong game for the winners, he who shook the ropes not once, but twice, tying on each occasion. His second goal was also scored with the advantage of a man.
At the other end of the rink, Darcy Kuemper faced just 20 shots, giving in to Justin Faulk and Jordan Kyrou.
Josh Manson, the dark hero
With a star-studded roster, it’s rare to hear the name of defenseman Josh Manson in Avalanche highlights. However, he made two important plays for his team in Game 6.
On the first goal of his own. Manson saw his shot bounce past Husso’s net. Compher, positioned there, then took the opportunity to jump on the return throw.
However, it was at the end of the second period that Manson stood out the most. The Avalanche trailed 2-1 and were down a man late in the second period. Kyrou then played patience and took advantage of an exit from Kuemper, deported from his net, to shoot towards a gaping cage. Manson, however, threw himself in desperately to prevent a certain goal and keep his team a goal clear, which proved crucial.
