Avalanche move into playoff spot as Pickard records 1st NHL shutout
Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard recorded the 1st NHL shutout of his NHL career Thursday, making 27 saves in a 3-0 win against the New Jersey Devils.
First @NHL shutout for @cpickard1! pic.twitter.com/EbNPSTU8pi
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 15, 2016
The 23-year-old was making his sixth appearance of the season, but only his second start as he improved his record to 2-0-0 on the season. With the win, his team jumped past the Nashville Predators into the final Western Conference playoff spot.
Matt Duchene scored his 22nd goal of the season to open the scoring and now has seven points in his last six games. Reigning NHL third star of the week Tyson Barrie scored a shorthanded goal in the second and Carl Soderberg added an empty-netter in the final minute.
The Devils have lost five of their last six games, and are now stuck in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot in the East as a result of their recent slump. Thursday marked the third time this month goalie Cory Schneider allowed two goals or less in a losing effort.
The Avalanche face the league-worst Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday as they look to win for the fifth time in seven games.