ST. LOUIS – Facts Colorado Avalanche eliminate St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of the Western Conference series on Friday night thanks to an important save – not from the keeper Darcy Kuemper but on a “hero block” from the guardian Josh Manson.
“Manson’s save was one of the biggest saves of the game,” coach Jared Bednar said after 3-2 Victory. “It keeps us at an incredible distance. That’s the kind of despair and sacrifice you need in your boys at this time of year.”
With less than three minutes left in the second half, the Blues had a strong and energetic play. They took a 2-1 lead and were looking for an important equalizer before the third half. In front of Pavel Buchnevich take Kuemper’s right slit and pass it across the area for the Blues to go forward Jordan Kyrou.
Kuemper quickly slid to the left but Kyrou didn’t shoot. Instead, he hit the ball into the middle as Kuemper rolled on his back outside the goal line. The Colorado Grid has been abandoned. Kyrou had a chance to make it 3-1.
But then Manson saved the day.
“They threw it in the back door and Kyrou showed good patience,” said Kuemper. “I tried to get there as quickly as possible, but then he held onto it. [Manson] thought up the hero block there. “
Manson hit Manson’s net when he missed the goal line, and the shot was blocked by Kuemper.
“To be honest with you was a bit of a panic,” Manson said. “I know he’s a real patient player. I know he’s going to hold on to that. When I see him make the move, I do. [was] just hoped that it would hit me, and I guess it did. “
After the opening whistle, Kuemper stood up and patted Manson’s chest twice, saying “thank you” to his defender.
“If that happens…we’re a resilient team. I think we’ll still bounce back,” Manson said. “But it’s nice to get it.”
Avalanche is in the Western Conference final for the first time since 2002, opening at home first Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.
