NHL Scores And More: Avalanche Hang On, Sharks Win In A Blowout

Avalanche 3, Blues 2
Recap | Box Score

Jean-Sebastien Giguere saved 37 shots as the Colorado Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period, then hung on for a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Over at Mile High Hockey, the focus was on the way the Avs started the game -- a point of emphasis for head coach Joe Sacco.

The Avalanche wasted no time in getting on the board though as Matt Hunwick sent a low, hard, shot on net that Paul Stastny deflected toward the net. Fortunately it went in off of a St. Louis defenseman's skate. Stefan Elliott is continuing his stellar play as he earned the secondary assist on the play.

The Avalanche appeared ready to "start the game on time" as Avs Head Coach Joe Sacco likes to say, as the Avs scored less than a minute and a half later. Brian Elliott slightly mishandled the dump in and Cody McLeod was right there to bury it for a 2-0 lead just over 5 minutes into the game.

Coverage from the other side can be found over at St. Louis Game Time.

Sharks 7, Lightning 2
Recap | Box Score

This one was never close, nor was it in doubt after a five-goal outburst by the Sharks in the first. It was, simply, domination by San Jose, and the game left our Sharks blog, Fear the Fin, impressed for many reasons.

Final score showed 7-2 in favor of the Sharks, with 43-24 shot advantage. Six different Sharks scored goals, with total of 11 players recording at least a point in the game.

After struggling to score goals in the first half of December, the Sharks scored 18 goals in the last four games. The fact that San Jose Sharks never gave up playing hard after taking a quick 5-0 lead into the game is a sign of a hungry team. It's fair to say, the team battled for all 60 minutes.

For a view from the losing side of the blowout, head over to Raw Charge.